Lethargy, depression, tummy ailments – that’s what made me go gluten-free.
Except, I had no idea that eating food with gluten in it led to all the above symptoms/illnesses.
It was only when I was having terrible tummy trouble – went through loads of tests (blood, internal examinations) and thankfully found nothing sinister – that my doctor suggested a change of diet.
Now, I always thought I ate healthily – lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, chicken, fish and the carbs consisted of rice, potatoes and pasta.
Aha – but, on many days I was having Weetabix for breakfast, a sandwich or wrap for lunch and then pasta for dinner. All food rich in gluten.
What’s weird is that I’ve never had a problem with wheat or gluten products before – but I think I must have OD’d on the stuff because suddenly my body was saying “No more!”
Gluten, gluten – everywhere!
So – it’s fairly easy to identify the main culprits – bread, pasta, most cereals, noodles – basically anything made from wheat, barley and rye. But what is surprising is that you will find gluten in baked beans, ketchup and …OXO cubes – to name a few!
So, I’m experimenting with new foods – some gluten free varieties – they don’t always taste great…but trying a lot more to stick to more vegetables and protein – and upping my intake of seeds, nuts and fruits.
A few days on – I can already see a difference. Less lethargic, tummy seems to be settling down – and I’m shedding some of the pounds that nothing seemed to want to shift!
I’ll give you an update in a few weeks – but for now – no more toast for me!
Gluten is the protein content of wheat (including spelt, durum and semolina) barley and rye.
I have celiac disease myself, but my GI doctor told me that almost everyone who tries a gluten free diet feels better. Seems like a good enough reason to me! Good for you for finding something that helps you feel better.
Thanks for your support Kate. It’s amazing that one ingredient in food can make such a difference. I know there has been some bad press recently saying that people are jumping on the “gluten-free” bandwagon. But, surely if eliminating it from one’s diet is helping people to feel better then that’s a good thing. I can’t tell you how much more energy I seem to have – so glad I decided to take the plunge!!
Yeah, I think it’s silly! If people feel better, then they feel better. The only problem comes when people don’t understand that people who have celiac have to really avoid cross-contamination. But I think the “gluten free fad” has helped for the most part. At least MOST people now know what Gluten is 🙂