Entry bubble I’m Going Gluten Free

By: Joanne | September 02, 2008 | Category: Health

Close up detail of dried wheat.Last week I visited a dietitian for nutrition counseling to help me with some health problems. I was shocked when she told me that she thinks that I’m experiencing an allergic reaction to gluten and set me on a path to a gluten-free diet. I was encouraged when she told me that I’ll experience a dramatic increase in energy after the first week, and that we’ll really know if it’s working after just 3 months. I figure I have a lot to gain and very little to lose so I’m going to give it a try.

I’m lucky because my symptoms are mild—there are people who suffer terribly from gluten intolerance like celiac disease. Luckily, there are things that we can do to change our eating habits and restore our health.

My first trip to the grocery store took forever! I had to read labels carefully to be sure that gluten isn’t an ingredient in the food I was buying. I tried to keep the gluten-free guidelines in mind and looked for gluten-free foods. This will be quite a change for me because I always have loved all sorts of healthy grains and I never expected to hear that some of my favorite things like bread and beer are causing me problems. Sigh.

I know that I’m in the company of millions of Americans who have some form of gluten intolerance, so any tips you can offer will be appreciated. I’m especially looking for a great gluten-free pancake recipe.

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