Saturday, April 7, 2012

Gluten Free

Going gluten free seems to be the trendy thing to do these days. But that's NOT why I chose to do it.

I'm not a trendy kind of gal. I don't do or say or wear something because it's the latest fad. As a matter of fact, some might say that I am the kind of person who will purposely go against the popular trends in every category. A follower I am not (well, except for blogs that is). A conformist I am not.

A health nut I am becoming.

And THAT'S the main reason I decided to try going gluten free.

I first thought I'd try gluten free just to see if there was any truth to the rumors of increased energy and focus. And then there was that book WHEAT BELLY.

Anyway, we tried it. And we haven't looked back!

Hubs is ADHD and removing gluten from our diet has really helped him with this. His level of frustration has decreased. His ability to focus and stay focused has improved greatly. As for myself, I noticed right away that my moods improved. Both of us have experienced increased energy and stamina--we don't feel completely exhausted at 3:00 in the afternoon. Now it's 4:00. Haha! Actually, we make it all the way to bedtime without needing that cup of tea or coffee.

Gone is that bloated, overfilled feeling after eating a gluten meal. AND gone are those cravings for moremoremore bread/pasta that we got when eating gluten filled foods.

And that, my friends, is why we have chosen to remain gluten free.

Are the results be the same for everyone? I have no idea. I can only speak for what has happened to our family. But we're quite happy. We don't miss it. We won't be going back. My suggestion, as always, is to researchresearchresearch and readreadread everything you can and make an informed decision for your personal health.


This is the seventh day of the A-Z April Challenge. I thought I might try a theme this year and focus on my personal journey to health and fitness, including weight loss.


Today's letter is G and my word for the day is GLUTEN FREE.

27 comments:

  1. Sounds like a wise choice to me my friend.
    It's always great to feel better, and especially less bloated. A problem I have sitting in an office all day. I have stopped eating sandwiches for lunch - it just isn't my thing. Have fantastic Easter!

    Eva

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  2. I have heard similar results from a couple of people. I even notice the grocery stores in this area starting to carry a few gluten free products

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  3. Delighted it has worked so well for you. Wheat is a common allergan, especially as you consider the chemicals that are sprayed on it. Have you tried spelt flours at all? Not sure if they're gluten free but supposed to be good.

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  4. So happy you've gotten positive results, I've been toying with the idea of going gluten free myself!

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  5. very interesting...I have students with ADHD who have also gone gluten free and herbs rather than go the medication route and for most of them it has made a difference...good for you!

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  6. I think I'd miss my bread...is there a replacement?

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  7. Good for you. If you don't have passion about what you are doing then it would be just a fad.

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  8. I'm intrigued. Thanks. I will look into gluten free, as we are trying all kinds of ways to be healthier. :)

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  9. My daughter just found out she may have a gluten allergy so she's been looking at this, just in case. There are so many things you think you'd really miss, but I would well imagine if you feel so much better it would be well worth the sacrifice!

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  10. You are my Guru!!!!
    I read your post on the body brushing, started reading and researching, bought a brush and started Thursday! Living in Dry Colorado is so hard on my skin, I hope this will help!

    We are still not gluten free but are close! I have stayed away from meat and only served salmon twice since New Years. Honestly, I do not miss meat. My problem is still sweets.

    I have not noticed a big change in my Fibromyalgia but still hold high hopes for a decrease in my symptoms.

    Have a wonderful Easter,
    Shawn

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  11. Going gluten free is great, when you can easily get the replacement ingredients. But over here, they are not available, or if, they are VERY expensive. I think it's great that your husband is doing this with you and supporting you in your effort to change your diet.

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  12. Eva- It has been for us. It may not be for everyone. It really is great just to feel good! Thanks!

    Kim- There are a lot of gluten free products around. We still stay away from processed foods even if they’re gluten free. Except for those gluten free pretzels. Soo good! LOL

    Mimi- Not only the chemicals that are sprayed on it but the genetic engineering that has completely changed the plant itself. I think the deal with spelt flours is that they are not gluten free but the gluten is different from wheat.

    jen- Thanks! It’s not for everyone. But you never know until you try.

    Tracy- I think it helps some and others, not so much. Of course, we’ve dropped other things from our diet as well such as sugar.

    Cindy- I have found that the gluten free flours are just as good or better than regular flour. I don’t know about the gluten free bread that is already made but I make my own and it is delicious!

    Debby- Well, I certainly am passionate about it! LOL

    danne- There is a wealth of information out there! Just readreadread!

    Laura- We really haven’t missed anything. There are gluten free substitutes for nearly everything. Plus, with the gluten free stuff, there are no cravings. Just satisfaction!

    Shawn- I just LOVE the dry skin brushing! It has made such a huge difference! Hope it works for you! Have you tried switching from refined sugar to Turbinado, coconut sugar and/or honey? I have some great sites for raw food sweets that are sweetened with dates! And they’re good

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  13. Betty- Yes, not having access to the substitutes would create a problem. LOL The husband is really into living a long, healthy life. His parents died from cancer and he doesn't want that to happen. So he's coming along quite willingly!

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  14. I never think of myself as ornery but I do like to blaze my own trail! I always enjoy the trails that you blaze, too. Interesting that a lot of trailblazers have converging paths towards good health these days. Or are these the only bloggers we read?

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  15. Stephanie- Blazing your own trail. Now that's a great way to put it! It's actually a fun way to put it as well-I've been blazing a trail to a lifestyle change of better health! WooHoo! LOL I don't know- I think a lot of folks are just realizing that if we don't take our health into our own hands, we're doomed.

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  16. Hi Pam. Hope you're having a lovely Easter. Gluten free is a huge thing over here in England now, and you can get virtually anything that is actually gluten free (even gluten free hot cross buns). Of course, it is quite a bit more expensive, but a good choice is readily available, which is good. Even if you go to a restaurant or a coffee shop now, they have ranges of gluten free things, so it's not a problem even if you go out to eat. I'm glad that you and hubby feel so much better by following this particular eating choice.

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  17. Diane- Gluten free hot cross buns?! I'm on my way!!! I'm not surprised that folks over your way realized the health benefits of no gluten- y'all are always more savvy and hip to health than us!

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  18. Stopping by from the A to Z Challenge.

    Your post has inspired me. I've noticed how many restaurants now provide gluten free meals. I even saw some gluten free skin care products. I'll have to give it a try. I'm not a big bread/pasta eater anyway, but what about ice cream? Must I give up that?

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  19. thelmaz- They make everything gluten free- even ice cream! LOL Thanks for stopping by!

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  20. From one "resist the popular" to another...*sigh* Don't you just hate it when they're right? Damn it.

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  21. I've been curious what the draw is, and if you feel better, that is the perfect reason! What an interesting blog, just swinging by from A to Z and I'm a new follower!

    www.diaryofasquaretoothedgirl.blogspot.com

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  22. I am with you, definitely not a follower of trends but my niece has been going without gluten for a while and she feels so much healthier. So much so that I am seriously thinking of trying it :)

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  23. After eight years gluten free, there's no turning back. Besides,a friend had cancer and her doc told her to get off gluten because the body had to work too hard to digest it. He said her body had to concentrate on healing. She lost over 20 pounds just from dropping wheat. She has fought the health battle well too.

    I hope you're having a wonderful day. I gave the world's healthiest baskets to my kids today. They were filled with things, not junk food.
    Wendell sends his regards and a hug. He's been far more affectionate the last two days. ??

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  24. Lisa- It doesn't make a difference with everyone, but for us it's been fantastic! Thanks!

    lyndy-It might not be beneficial to you but it certainly won't hurt to try!

    Patrice- I got your email but haven't had a chance to respond yet. I'm so glad your boy is feeling better! Please give him a hug from me! DoodleBug was the only one home this year so she was somewhat doted on in the Easter basket area. Everything was organic and natural and then I put some things in there that were not edible. Like those seaweed chips. She loves them but---EW! LOL

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  25. My diet is naturally gluten-free. Beans, green vegetables and plenty of farting keep me healthy.

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  26. I love your blog! I, too, was an empty nester till one flew home to roost and go back to college, he flew off again with success, and now another has landed to go to college. :)

    Amidst all that, my husband and I started an artisan food biz, we make Pizza Kits that make homemade pizza in 30 minutes, they're organic and come in gluten free too! They're awesome, I hope you check our site: gallolea.com
    Happy eating!
    Susan

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
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