When we lived in Hawaii I did an experiment. I went gluten free for a week to see if there was a difference in how I felt. Surprisingly, there is something to it! I had more energy, I didn't feel like I had a "brick" in my belly, and heck, I lost 8 pounds! But after that week of feeling great, I ate a yummy turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread...This is where the real test took place. It was almost immediate, that heavy feeling was back and I just felt blah and icky! That was all I needed...I was convinced!
As with most good things that take effort, this gluten free way of life has gone by the way side. When we moved back to the mainland a year and a half ago and we were staying with family...who are NOT gluten free, by any means, I just got out of the habit...In the back of my mind I knew what I needed to do but it was just easier not to. I have just been being lazy! It's not easy being gluten free, especially when I was the only one wanting to do it.
Gluten is found in everything...from cosmetics~ lip stick, lip balm, chap stick and shampoo/conditioner to over-the-counter medications and vitamins. It is even in crayons, markers and paints! Gluten is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in many foods. Being gluten free takes effort and planning. Since I am not a celiac, I don't think that I will ever be 100% gluten free.. I don't want to buy special shampoo and I'm not changing my lipstick, but I think there is benefit in being gluten free with what I put into my body.
This past week my husband has been eating gluten free and it has inspired me to do it too! I am definitely back on the wagon! I have even lost a few pounds. I just feel better on a gluten free diet! And isn't that what it is all about...feeling good and finding what works best for you?
Are you gluten free?
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18 comments:
This would be impossible for me.
Goodluck, more power to you all.
Megg
I hear about "gluten free" all the time but I don't really know what it consists of. Definitely something to google. I've heard its hard to follow but people that have to do it feel much better health wise.
Oh my gosh... I don't think I could go gluten free... but I think I could try it for a week. Maybe after my 50 miler.... hmmm, tell me what kinds of things you eat/make.
Aw, that's too cute that she said that!
I'm one of those 'everything in moderation' believers so I wouldn't eliminate anything from my diet.
i'm intrigued by gluten free diets. i'm not sure i'd even know where to start but i've thought about giving it a try. would def like to see more posts about it!!
I've a good friend who is a celiac and I see the amount of work and effort that goes into being gluten free. Well done if you can manage it. I don't think I would have the energy, willpower to do what is required. Good luck with it.
Good for you making this change to improve your health and how you feel. I am not GF and have not had any reason to be, but I wouldn't mind doing an experiment like that some time.
yes m'am! Gluten free really boosts that immunity! So glad to know you are on board! YEA!
LC
i am kind of against all the "gluten free" ads these days, because it seems like companies are trying to push gf like they have done "low-fat" and "atkins", etc.
i know that some people have a gluten allergy or intolerance (or celiac), and for those people - GREAT! it can be hard to test for this allergy so you have to try the elimination diet like you did. not everyone will notice a difference though, so not everyone needs to go gf. i just feel like companies are hyping it up so people buy their special products.
so just to clarify, i'm not against you being gf or anyone else who needs to be, i just am not liking the fact that gf is starting to be pushed like the next south beach diet. if that makes sense?
i was once told i was allergic to gluten. so i've been GF... (it sucked!) this was back when Outback was the only place with special GF menu items. i didn't notice a difference when i went off it nor when i started eating it again. but again, that's just my personal experience. i guess my opinion is - don't eat what you are allergic/intolerant to, and then eat things that are natural (fruits/veggies) and healthy (ie lay off the potato chips and fried foods).
i am glad you feel better when you eat GF! good luck -- i know it is hard!
My sister has a gluten allergy and, after figuring that out and cutting all gluten out of her life, she has lost 15 pounds. But she really misses pizza/bread/pasta/etc.
I think it can be hard to find enough FIBER in a gluten-free diet, though. My sister complains about that ALL the time.
I agree completely with your post. I too find myself so much happier and energetic when I cut Bread, pasta and rice out of my diet. Its something that works for me and I have tried through the years and everytime it makes me just feel "better". It has also helped me, along with running, to shed 17kgs
I miss bread and occasionally have some but for the most part I enjoy the healthy feeling I get when I cut it out of my diet.
I hate that heavy gross feeling when I eat the wrong things. I can always feel a big difference. I don't think I'm disciplined enough to be gluten free. Half the time would seem to be quite a bit of work. It would be easier if gluten was just taken out of everything! Sheesh I'm lazy.
I've been GF for almost 4 years now - Celiacs. If you have an Qs about the diet feel free to ask me!
Oh, and you have a new follower!!
Cheers!
I went mostly gluten free a year ago. I say 'mostly' because I have started, more recently, to allow myself a 'cheat day' where I have a nasty old Krispy Creme or yummy pastry, or regular pizza, etc. Thankfully, I am not gluten intolerant but have discovered my body functions overall better with much less gluten. I started experimenting going gluten-less after dealing with intestinal issues on my runs whether they were long or short for a couple of years. It has really helped all the way around. And it's not so hard once you get started, although it is a bit daunting at first. Gluten products are convenient (ie: bread for sandwiches). It's just different than what we are used to - that's all - and that's why it seems difficult for most people to get on board with. The interesting thing is that our bodies aren't made to process gluten protein efficiently - some people's bodies can handle it fine, some people are sensitive, and some are celiac.
I have been pondering this for some time!! I think I need to commit a week to a GF diet and simply see. You should check out Cotter Crunch for GF recipes. Lindsay rocks!!!
I'm really impressed by anyone who can do this kind of diet. It seems so hard but I am curious about it. I'm curious as to anything that would make me feel better and run faster!
I am gluten free, and it took a few months for it to get out of my system. Now if i eat something with substantial gluten in it, I have a violent reaction within 24 hours. I feel better, and not only have I noticed that i retain less water, but also that other foods which didn't cause me problems before, give me issue. No more milk for me. Also, nuts and beans have to be taken in small amounts. I am re-learning how to eat.
Like Denise said, I would like to learn more. Keep us posted.
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