Going Gluten Free – Tips and Tricks

So if you read my article – you certainly got a chance to see that I have submitted some links to common things that have gluten hidden in them. The two big things are Malt and Barley. They don’t sound like wheat, so you’d expect for them to be fine. But they aren’t and have gluten. Malt is a product of Barley.

When I first went gluten free, it was very important that in the first 30 days, you really try to rid it from your body. You should see a noticeable change by day 5 of not eating gluten if you have an allergy or intolerance. The best way for you to avoid wheat/gluten is to make everything by yourself at first while you get the hang of reading ingredient labels. Because of the fad diets, labels typically will tell you if wheat is in the item. If you don’t have a serious intolerance, you can probably get away with items that are manufactured in a facility that processes wheat, however, I suggest avoiding that stuff at first. Concentrate on getting the gluten out of your body first. You can always test later on to see if that stuff bothers you once you have cleansed your system.

The issue is that your body is addicted to gluten. I know, I know. It sounds stupid, but it’s true. Many people who eat wheat after going gluten free will tell you that it causes bloating or makes their brain feel foggy. When I eat gluten, within an hour my belly hurts, I look 6 months pregnant, and I want to take a nap. You may even crave gluten. The most important thing is to have plenty of gluten free items to stuff your face with in the meantime. When I first started out, I think I just ate a lot of clean-eating items – so basically anything that I prepared from scratch myself. So fruit, veggies, crockpot meals (watch out for seasonings – check ingredients), basic meats (watch out for lunch meats), etc.

Gluten-free Products

  • Glutino has redone most of their recipes, and most of their products are delicious now. I personally DO NOT recommend the oreo/vanilla cookies. I think they taste like crap and don’t taste like the real thing… which just makes me crave the real thing. My husband who is not gluten free, on the other hand, thinks they taste better than the real oreo. Also avoid the chips/crackers by Glutino. I bought a box and they were COVERED in the seasoning. They were so salty it was gross. Glutino makes a lot of boxed items for brownies, cookies, cornbread – etc. These are all fantastic. I also love the pop tarts – not so crazy about their breakfast bars. Their bagels are ok if you toast them and put cream cheese on them.

 

  • Gluten free on a budget? Big Lots and Ocean State Job Lot tend to have a lot of items that are gluten-free. Usually they have the Bob’s Red Mills mixes (make sure they say gluten-free) at a reduced cost. You can also buy Sam Mill’s products at both Walmart and Big Lots (they maybe other places but that’s where I’ve seen them). Walmart also has their own line that I really like. They have a stroganoff and a hamburger helper like item (so easy but probably not the most healthy thing- Sam Mill’s also has these), cocoa cookies (fake-oreos), vanilla cookies (fake-golden oreos), and some yummy Mac & Cheese. Their chocolate chip cookies are gross though. Christmas Tree Shops sometimes has some good deals on gluten free stuff.

 

  • Pasta? I personally like the Heartland brand. The spaghetti and fusilli tastes just like regular pasta. Also the brand Tinkyada Pasta Joy is good too.

 

  • For bread, Udi’s and Rudi’s sandwich bread (frozen) are great, however, if you want to make French toast, I suggest Rudi’s. Udi’s is also awesome for cookies, bagels, pizza, muffins, etc.

 

  • Most restaurants have a gluten-free menu, and a good restaurant will actually have a manager bring your meal separate and tell you it’s allergy free.

Here are also some FANTASTIC blogs for gluten-free baking:

  1. http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/
  2. http://www.glutenfreeonashoestring.com/
  3. http://www.simplygluten-free.com
Jamie Webster

About Jamie Webster

Just your average blogger. Married 2 years with two wonderful children who are 6 years apart. Little about me: I’m turning 31 this year (yikes), have had 9 foot surgeries in 8 years and have spent a little over 4 years of my life in and out of a wheel chair (or scooter). And today, I am training for a half marathon. I attribute two major changes in my life to my healing: the power of goal setting and going gluten free.