6 Tips for Following a Gluten Free Lifestyle

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Almost two years ago today, I had an extremely allergic reaction to something I ate while on vacation. After an elimination diet, several doctors appointments, medical tests, and lots of tears I got the results from all of the tests. No major issues, but I did test positive for several food allergies, including one that is life threatening. {Read more about the Beginning of my Journey}.

No matter why you have decided to eliminate gluten or wheat from your diet, there is definitely a learning curve to the new lifestyle. It probably took me a good 6-9 months before I started to feel more confident with my new diet restrictions. I’ve compiled a list of some tips that helped me as I began my journey…I wish someone had sat me down and told me some of these. I hope they help you in your journey.

1. It’s okay to grieve the loss of your favorite foods. I shed a lot of tears over missing out on my favorite meals and feeling left out. No one understood the sudden and drastic change in my diet. However, you know what is best for you, so don’t let anyone make you feel bad for making these changes.

After a month or two of grieving your loss, it’s time to move on and focus on making yourself healthier.

2. One of the first things I highly recommend is figuring out how to make your very favorite food gluten free (and free of all other foods you need to avoid). Whether it’s a big plate of brownies, homemade pretzels, or for me it was biscuits and gravy. Keep trying until you get it! Avoid the mixes and really research how to make it from scratch. The mixes are great in pinch, but you will love the feeling of accomplishing this. (If I can make biscuits and gravy with no wheat, no dairy, and no eggs..then you can do totally this!)

3. Gluten Free foods can be very expensive, so don’t go crazy buying everything that you can find. Some are not so good, some are okay, and some are amazing! You will find the brands and products that you love. Pick one thing to focus on at a time and buy a couple variations to try at the same time. My absolute favorite bread and buns are from Udi’s. I tried pretty much every single brand on the market and kept notes before deciding, then I made the announcement to Hubbyman. He thought I was crazy, but happy to see I found something I really enjoyed. I try to have a plan at the grocery store and keep my budget in mind. Check out these tips for grocery shopping on a budget.

4. One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to read ALL labels, every single time you buy. Companies and restaurants change ingredients more often than you would image. I bought a brand that I been buying for months that met all my allergy needs only to find out it now had dairy. Make sure know what ingredients have hidden gluten too. Something that seems gluten free might not be because it has something as small as malt flavoring or a non gluten free vanilla.

5. Want to eat out? Visit restaurants during non-peak times during your first few visits and research the restaurant online before you go. Unfortunately, I’ve learned not to trust when a server says yes it is gluten free. Ask for the manager and a gluten free menu. Going during non-peak times will give you the time you need to really study the menu and talk with the staff about your needs and figure out what you can eat without any of the pressure of a busy restaurant.

6. Make all the new flours and strange sounding ingredients your friend. Try several different types and research what each type of flour does. When I first started my journey, I stocked up with a pantry full of a dozen new flours. Now, I’m down to just a handful as those work best with the way I cook.

I realize these are pretty basic when you read through them, but they are things that no one really talks about or tells you about. I hope you found them encouraging because it’s not as hard as it seems.