Posts: 30,254
12/22/11 10:26 P

welcome to the team. Yes it does get easier as you go on but remember that they put wheat in almost everything and you have to know what is in the product to keep from getting the reactions that will hurt you in the end. They also use different names for them so be careful about what you put into your body. Just remember this- When in doubt don't use (or in our case don't eat) You will also find that they put wheat in shampoos and other products that you would not think that they would put that in. So read all labels if you are going to put it in you or on you.

current weight: 240.0

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SparkPoints: (11,153)
Fitness Minutes: (6,470)
Posts: 1,103
12/22/11 9:20 P

I have never heard that wheat is addictive, but makes sense though. As for the cravings, it's tough. I still miss breadsticks. I also love chocolate, so always have a GF box mix of chocolate chip cookies or brownies to bake when I have cravings.
Good luck! It takes time to learn it all and there always seems more to learn! But it's a lifestyle change!

current weight: 172.4

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Posts: 1,442
12/22/11 7:54 P

The latest reseach shows that wheat is addictive. I haven't read it yet, but many are recommending the book 'The Wheat Belly'. Aside from that, when I first discoverd I was gluten sensitve or celiac (not sure which because there were no tests 30 years ago), it took me years to shed my wheat additction because I kept getting hidden gluten or through ignorance, thought it was ok once in awhile (NOT). Once you are gluten free completely it is much easier and eventually you see it as a poison and cannot imagine putting it into your body. it is particularly difficult at this time of year with all the baking and treats in abundance. Hang in there. You feel much better in the end.

Barb
dx 1981

current weight: 144.5

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Posts: 4,542
12/22/11 7:34 P

Some sneaky things that gluten hides in are herbal teas, vitamins, coffee flavoring and sauces based on soy sauce. Also if you eat out at all your food can easily be contaminated from being in the same kitchen, someone forgetting to change gloves, using the same knife, etc.

It does get easier I promise! Also people can react to dairy just as they do to gluten. If you continue to have problems try eliminating dairy and see if that helps.

current weight: 192.0

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Posts: 2,299
12/22/11 10:17 A

I just posted a blog about my effects from gluten and when I closed my brozer this link was in my inbox.

I went back to gluten because of the cravings, and have suffered the consequences. I find it really difficult to stay off of gluten. But, as Dr. Oz says, "whether you have gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten increases your risk of bowel cancer". I am trying to keep that in mind too as I am again getting off of gluten.

I think we crave so much more that which we aren't supposed to have. It isn't that a diet without gluten is one of deprivation, cause it isn't. It is just a matter of eating plenty of variety so that you do not miss the gluten as much. In time you will not even miss it. It’s just that going out to eat anywhere, gluten is in everything, and that is what initially drew me back to gluten.

It's ironic that when I went back to eating gluten, at first it tasted awful to me. I wondered what my attraction to it was. But, then as I got back into eating it I thought is was "the best thing" again. Mainly I was reacting addictively to something I am allergic to.

I hope you will succeed at staying off of gluten (for all the wonderful benefits).

Amber

current weight: 180.0

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Posts: 27
12/22/11 10:09 A

Possibly...I've thought of that. I'm hoping that it gets easier the more I learn. Thank you!

Posts: 7,085
12/22/11 10:03 A

Welcome to gluten free eating and lifestyle! It really will get easier with more practice.
Is there a chance that you could have injested some hidden gluten to cause the fatigue and cravings? That can happen easily.

Posts: 27
12/22/11 9:58 A

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I was just recently told by my doctor that I am gluten intolerant. I went to see her for everyday fatigue and after bloodwork she told me that my thyroid wasn't working as it should and she wanted me to go gluten free before trying out any thyroid medication. I'm all for that since I don't like to take medication of any kind. I've been doing it for about 2 weeks and the first week was alot easier than I thought. I did really well and have lost about 7lbs..but now the cravings are starting and my energy level is dipping again, making it really hard for me to stay on track. It's so frustrating!! Not only did I want to lose weight but now I have to follow a healthy diet that is gluten free..sorry..just a little frazzled today. I'm new to this and still figuring it all out.