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Surviving the Diagnosis
If
you were like me, the drive home from the doctor's office was a pretty
traumatic trip. I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant. A celiac. The list of foods containing gluten was terribly long, and I was convinced
that there was nothing left to eat. I cried all the way home, the rest
of the evening, and into the next several days.
I have no idea
why it hit me so hard. I had been dealing with a number of other health
problems for a few years, some of which were pretty difficult to
manage. This was perhaps the straw that broke the camel's back. What
next, Lord?
That was 13 years ago. I'm still here. I can find
food to eat. I can eat out. I can entertain guests. Yes, there was an
adjustment period, but I made it through. And, so can you.
First
things first, take your list and look over the food in your kitchen.
You might want to separate out the things you can eat from the things
you can't. Place the questionable items in their own space - these you
will want to contact the manufacturer and ask about. Instruct your
family in the way you would like your safe food stored on the shelves,
in the refrigerator etc., so that you don't get confused as to where
"your" food is.
Make a list of your favorite foods that just hit
the list of not good for you items. Then take a trip to your nearest
co-op or health food store and try to find some acceptable
alternatives. For me, it was snacks. Once I found "Pamela's" brand
cookies and mixes, I knew that I could survive this. There was just
something about being able to find ready made or fast food that was
comforting to me. Once I got to looking around, I found frozen pizza,
bread, biscotti, pancake mixes, baking mixes, all the things I felt
were necessary to life, were just made by different folks.
Once
you have your alternatives, and have made notes on which gluten-free manufacturers
make what you need, you are halfway home. Now you are ready to
experiment on your own. That is where these recipes come in. If you are
missing Bran Muffins, try out the Flax Meal Muffins. If you want an
Angel Food Cake, just make one. They are easy to do, and will satisfy
that craving.
You also might want to check out the chapter on
Basics. There you will find some flour mixes that will enable you to
take some of your own family recipes and adapt them to your needs. You
may have to experiment a few times to get the desired end result, but
it can be done.
Best Wishes and Happy Experimenting!
JoDee Vale
Taste the Difference:
182 Sensational Solutions to the Wheat and Gluten-Free Diet Problem!
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