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Remember a couple of days ago, when I posted this week’s meal plan? I may have mentioned something about going on a gluten detox. And then yesterday, I posted this delicious cake ball recipe? I know, those two things don’t really match up. Yes, it’s true that I’m going on a 4 week gluten detox. Yes, it’s also true that I love cake. And frosting. Especially when they are mixed together and covered in frosting. But for now, I have to give up these sweet little pieces of heaven.
Along with my bread, pretzels, crackers, graham crackers and pizza. Even my beloved granola bars have to be modified. But yes, it is true, I’m giving up gluten for 4 weeks. Maybe longer. And when the detox is over, I’m going to slowly, every so slowly, add wheat products back in, starting with only whole grain wheat. And if all goes well, I’ll move on to the more refined products.
Why, oh, why would I take on such a challenge?
I’m crazy?
I’m a glutton for punishment?
I’m a bored housewife looking for something to do?
Yes, just a little bit, to all of the above. But the real reason is something that I’ve been blogging about over at Naturally Knocked Up. Fertility, struggles and trying to make natural changes for a healthier body. Please check out my posts to get the full story. One day I’ll share it here, I promise.
One of the things that has been lingering in the back of my mind is whether or not my fertility struggles could be related to a gluten allergy or sensitivity. It’s something that I’ve discussed with my sister, who was wondering if her struggles are caused by the same thing. So, I figured, I have nothing to lose, I’m just going to do it. I’m jumping in with both feet. And already, one day in, I’m doubting my willpower to make it through 4 weeks, and realizing just how much I’ve relied on wheat/gluten-based products to get me through the day.
In honor of my 4 week gluten detox, here’s list of food that I will greatly miss. I’m shedding a tear while I’m writing this. It’s going to be a long 4 weeks.
- Pizza. The thing I look most forward to at the end of the week. Sitting on the couch, pigging out and watching a movie with Dad-oo.
- Bread. Oh bread, how I love thee. Gluten-free bread is just not the same, don’t let anyone tell you differently.
- Pretzels. What will I replace you with, or glorious baked snack food? So easy to grab a handful as I’m running out the door. So easy to pair with string cheese or chocolate. So easy to eat, and eat, and eat.
- Crackers. I’ve fallen in love with you lately, even going so far as to make my own. It was love at first sight, and now you are gone.
- Cinnamon Rolls. True, I hardly ever eat you, but now that I can’t, you are all that I want. You sweet, cream cheese frosting and cinnamon goodness. How can I resit?
- Chocolate Chip Cookies. I swear the universe is against me, because everywhere I go, I see and smells cookies baking. They are just screaming out for me to grab a handful of their soft, melty goodness.
- M&M’s. Goodbye sweet, chocolate goodness. Did you know that they contain Dextrins, which may contain gluten? Now what will I eat my stress away with?
- Cereal. Unless it’s boring old rice cereal, it’s out the door. This was my quick, healthy sweet fix (when I was stressed enough to dig into the chocolate).
- Anything that has Natural Flavoring, because that may have gluten in it. That is basically any type of prepared food. Seriously.
- Finally, watching my son eat normal food, and preparing this normal food for him is just about going to kill me. Seriously, not a day goes by where I’m not eating his leftovers or “testing” his good.
For the next four weeks I’ll be updating about my gluten detox challenge. And I’ll send along some help info for anyone considering going gluten-free. Such as this handy list of products that contain gluten.
If you are gluten-free, can you share a hint of two? What exactly do you eat for snack food? Do you have any good, bread-like bread recipes? What food do you miss the most?
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve wanted to try to go gluten-free many times, just haven’t had the willpower. I love all those same thing you listed sooo much! You’ve motivated me to check into it again…. thanks. I think. Ha!!!!
.-= Yankee Wife´s last blog ..Ultimate Blog Party 2010 =-.
Alli,
You have picked a wonderful time to go gluten free! When I was diagnosed there was not much on the market. Don’t say goodbye to those cake balls…betty crocker, yes betty crocker, makes gluten free cake mixes! They are not too pricey at ~$3. I think the chocolate (they make vanilla, chocolate and brownie…chocolate and brownie the best in my opinion)needs additional cocoa and the brownie really perks up with melted chocolate in it…but I have a chocolate addiction. There are also plenty of other box cake recipes for celiac, or those going gluten free and yes also frostings.
I’m not a fan of milk chocolate so I don’t miss m&m’s but I have had no problems eating Lindt’s… at least their 70%, 85%, 90% & 99%. (Lindt how I love thee, let me count the ways…) steer clear of the truffles though. I miss truffles, haven’t found any gluten free worth the calories!
Mary’s gone crackers are my favorite gluten free cracker. They come in a variety of flavors. I like herb and also onion. Lots of crunch, may feel grainy for someone new to the diet, but my husband loves them. One thing you’ll find with going gluten free is you’ll have to really look to find fiber in processed gluten free foods. Mary’s gone crackers is awesome for that!
Go to your local health food store, there are plenty of gluten free cereals. Nature’s Path makes some great ones…Love their honey’d cornflakes and their new Whole O’s are better than cheerios (my opinion), great toddler snack and bonus organic! I have found these cereals at Kroger, Cub, and Walmart too.
Pamela’s makes the best gluten free cookies! the BEST are the chocolate chunk.
You can make delicious pizza crust with Chebe bread (tapioca bread mix).
There are gluten free pretzels, again no fiber, there was one that used bamboo fiber, pretty good, can’t remember the name.
I have to agree with you on the bread part, though I recently found a local bakery that makes an awesome cinnamon loaf! My husband (non-celiac) can’t even tell the difference. What I wouldn’t give for a chewy bagel
I use a bread that’s pretty good, can’t remember the name, and my son just FINALLY fell asleep on my lap, so I’ll post later.
There are tons of gluten free blogs, chats etc on the web that can help you too.
Finally I have to tell you, medically the prescribed method to discovering if you are celiac (especially if there are underlying medical issues ‘fertility’) is to have a blood test. Simple and easy, just bear in mind there are false negatives, so if you are still sure it could be gluten sensitivity there is a simple laproscopic biopsy, again possible false negatives so you may choose to do the diet anyway. Why test first? Your gut will change when the insult of gluten is removed and you may test negative even though you are positive. I have heard too…that you may be able to claim your food costs on your taxes (gluten free is not cheap) if you are diagnosed, I’ve never checked into it though.
Hope this helps.
@hippie4ever, This really does help I’m going to check out Amazon, hoping they have better prices than our local health stores.
I’m googeling gluten-free recipes this afternoon, hoping to find some crackers, maybe some better bread to try. I’ll just have to experiment until I find something that I like.
Also, LOTS of gluten free foods available on Amazon…with free shipping
Oh, I’ve been thinking my husband needs to do a gluten detox, too. I’ll be interested in seeing how it goes for you! Try not to think of pizza or cookies!
.-= oh amanda´s last blog ..Top Ten {Tuesday}: Yummiest Food I’ve Had in a Good Long While =-.
I hope you can accomplish your goal and notice a difference, I couldn’t do it, you are stronger woman then I.
.-= sarah´s last blog ..monday morning =-.
I hope it goes well for you! I hope you have either a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods to help you along.
.-= Janna´s last blog ..Help Me Plan Our Dining =-.
@Janna, We don’t! But I’m thinking that a trip to Trader Joe’s is in order. The closet is 2.5 hours away, not too bad of a drive.
Wow! Good luck with the detox! It will be hard, but worth it for sure.
Alli, If you aren’t familiar with the blog, Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures has a ton of gluten-free recipes. So does Heavenly Homemakers.
.-= Vanderbilt Wife´s last blog ..Ultimate Blog Party 2010 =-.
@Vanderbilt Wife, Thanks Jessie, I’ll check them out.
Based on this week’s menu, it sounds like you are finding some gluten-free recipes to substitute for things you would miss. I do miss light & soft loaf bread. I use Pamela’s bread mix and it’s pretty good.
Please remember that if you have issues with gluten, you should be tested for celiac disease. Once you’ve been gf for a while, the tests will be negative. Many people find they feel so much better and don’t want to go back to eating gluten in order to get tested. Whether or not you have celiac disease affects just how careful you need to be. Something to think about.
.-= Linda´s last blog ..Menu Plan Week of 4/25/10 =-.
@Linda, I’ve found that meals are pretty easy to make gluten-free, if you make everything yourself. Snacks are still hard, but I’m finding things that I like.
If I start to feel sick after I’m done with the 4 week detox, and I start to add gluten back in, I’ll be sure to get tested.
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