To some of the people I know after being gluten free for over two years it still requires further explanation. Some even still think it's related to glucose (sugar) and some just don't get it. To other people that may be at the beginning of their journey it may mean hard, flat tasteless bread and an increase in their food bill. Yet to others the words mean freedom. Freedom from digestive problems, from not knowing what is wrong with them and from the uncertainty of their future because a gluten free diet is controllable.

Basic facts

Gluten free is not a diet fad that can be stopped, in fact it is the exact opposite. Those that truly need to be on this diet will need to stay away from it for the rest of their lives. Gluten is a food protein in wheat, barley and rye. Unless oats are labeled as being grown in a gluten free environment it is best not to eat them either. With oats there are cross contamination issues since they are grown around or shipped near gluten containing products. There are many foods that contain these ingredients, many that you would never have imagined which requires diligent label reading and knowledge.

If you have been gluten free for awhile do you remember the overwhelming feelings you had in trying to figure out what you could eat?

Beginning this diet can be extremely overwhelming at first. There is a lot of information that you must learn and it all comes at you so quickly that it makes your head spin. After the basic information is understood, like what not to eat and how to read the food labels, the real work begins. I remember going through my kitchen cabinets and taking out everything I couldn't eat. It caused me to be sick to my stomach to see what was left on my shelves. I was concerned about whether I would ever have a varied diet again. I ended up being even more concerned after spending two hours on my first grocery trip only to come out with a couple of bags of mostly fruits and vegetables. For awhile I ate the same meals over and over again.

An ally

Living this way of life is more than just educating yourself with a bunch of facts though. To truly enjoy eating again requires helpful info from someone who has been in your shoes and is still walking the walk. This lifestyle requires trial and a lot of errors and with input from others with past experience and the fresh eyes of someone new to this diet we can make our lives easier.

You can bake a cake and eat it too

Just ask anyone that has been through it and they will tell you it does get better. If a previous prepackaged food buyer and restaurant foodie such as myself can find eating enjoyable again then I know it is within your reach too.