Gluten Free Virgin

by Kirsty
(New Zealand)

Hi, hearing people talk about gluten intolerance, and how much better they have been since they tried a gluten free diet, I am thinking that this may be the answer to my diet problems.

I constantly feel tired, grumpy, on edge, sore tummy after eaten, and feeling like I either need to pass wind really bad, or curl up into a ball with a hottie after eating. Headaches, bad skin etc..

I have put up with it for years, no one has even talked about the possibility that I am gluten intolerant, and i even got my gall bladder out, with the doctors thinking that was my problem, but again, I still get the same symptoms, and when i had the operation, the stones were so tiny, they said that perhaps that was not what was wrong! Ya think??!!??

So, can someone educate me please?

I realise that there is a HUGE change to my diet and life style that needs to be done, and I understand that anything with WHEAT in it has to go, all my stable diet items like couscous, pasta, gravy, Mayo etc have to go out the door. i have looked in the pantry, and its head to toe packed with things with gluten, So I need a bit of help!

I need to know the basics, what I should be shopping for, what I can substitute things for when adapting my recipes etc..

I like flavour in foods!!

I need to know how to read the label properly, know what to shop for and what to avoid, where I should shop (on a tight budget), all the basics!!
Is it just food I need to look out for, its not hiding in toiletries or anything I hope! (don't laugh, as I said, total gluten free virgin!)

Help!!! I really want to make this change and feel better about my life!!

Cheers!!

K


REPLY FROM THE GLUTEN FREE KIWI

Hi Kirsty.

It is a good thing you found my website - as it contains lots of information about gluten free products you can buy and tasty gluten free recipes.

I am also working on a gluten free Christmas cook book which I will be selling on the website.

If you are gluten intolerant you can not have wheat, barley or malt.

If you are a pasta hound like myself you can make gnocci (a potato pasta) with potato and potato flour.

Rice noodles are also an excellent fetticcuni alternative (found in the Asian section of your supermarket quick and easy to cook).

You will find a gluten free section at most fresh choice, pak 'n save, woolworths, and countdown. Filled with gluten free pasta, breads, sauces etc.

KB's bakery are not making gluten free pies, sausage rolls, breads and biscuits.

Coffee culture cafe normally stocks a few gluten free products.

Coffee Club stocks gluten free panini's

Hell pizza does gluten free bases on their pizzas and on voucher mate you can find a discount voucher.

Things to avoid:
Check powdered and liquid stocks for wheat - if eating soup out also ask to read the label.

Avoid Soya Sauce (instead use gluten free tamari it tastes the same)

Avoid anything thickened with wheat flour look in sauces, soups, preserves.

Watch out for malt vinegars.

No beer as it is made with barley. (gluten free beer is available in some supermarkets).

Watch out for processed meats, eg sausages, marinated steak, rissoles etc. Instead opt for gluten free sausages (hellers, campbells, blackball salami company available at supermarket)

Look in drinks to, powdered hot chocolate or syrups may contain wheat, V energy drink contains wheat.

Watch out for sushi vinegar and sushi mayonnaise, some shops use it, some do not, avoid tereyaki sushi(soy based).

Here is a great way to detox yourself and test your allergies The Low Stress Eating Plan I did this after first going gluten free and felt great.

Reading Labels

Possible, and probably additives containing gluten.

* Starch (1400's range in additives). Many of them are wheat based
* HVP - Hydrolised Vegetable Protein
* HPP - Hydrolised Plant Protein
* Maltodextrin - some are derived from wheat
* Malt extract
* Vinegar - is it malt vinegar?
* Soy sauce - is it wheat based?
* Caramel colour- can be a problem for some people.

If you are gluten free chances are your body is trying to tell you something - we live in a world of over processed and packaged food. Its a great idea to think back to what our body was designed to eat - look back to the ancient caveman or american indian's who survived on meat, fish, seeds , nuts, fruit and vege.

The best idea is try to stick away from processed foods - while it is nice to have gluten free pasta now and then try and incorporate more fresh colorful foods into your diet.

The food pyramid recommends 1/2 cup of carbohydrates with a meal to remember that when serving gluten free alternatives. Also when using gluten free products watch out for the high sugar levels, as sometimes wheat is replaced with sugar.

Things that are usually ok

Rice, potatoes, chickpeas, lentils.

Alternative flours
rice, potato, chickpea, tapioca, and so the list goes on.

Really its about a lifestyle change, do not look on it as things you can eat, look at it as a healthier body and mind, and opening a world of products that you previously would have overlooked.

Any questions do not hesitate to ask.