I've been sitting on this list for some time: a list that contains some of the most important things I've learnt going gluten free in my last year of high school, and I really feel that looking back, could provide someone with the forethought of what being gluten free may entail - for a teenager, or anyone. Going gluten free, I'm going to be perfectly honest here, may not begin with days stretching out as your energy stores sail above as anticipated, and like anything new, there are highs and lows. However, when your body adapts, and you start to follow a new routine, there will be the thrills of having the energy, the freedom of living a life with a little less stress and anxiety (although I'm still working on this), and the amazement of still being able to carry out a full, and fulfilling, life.
My list is as follows:
In the beginning, there are days when being gluten free may be so frustrating, and finding something to cook for dinner while your stomach grumbles is the last thing anyone wants to do. Everyone has days when they don't know what to make for dinner, with or without a diet restriction, so breathe, take a moment, and browse the recipe section of this blog for some dinner ideas.
Focus on the foods you CAN eat, rather than the ones you can't. This will help you keep positive, and to divert your cravings away from those gooey cinnamon rolls...
I honestly don't often find myself doing much without a cup of tea beforehand. It gives me a little more energy, and also a little time to think, and bring myself back from any anxieties that swirl around my head.
Be careful of any vitamins you may be missing from your diet. (And if you're strictly gluten free - watch out for the ingredients written on the labels). A couple of months after removing gluten, I found I had a return of acid reflux and tasted metal on my tongue continuously, when it started hurting my tongue, I finally went to the doctor. The reason? I wasn't getting enough vitamin B12 and magnesium, and who knew it could be so simple! (For this, I recommend checking with your doctor both before and during - they're extremely knowledgeable about the symptoms and effects you may experience).
Pack lunch. Don't rely on cafeterias to have something you can eat, chances are, you won't be left satisfied, or will remain hungry just looking at all the pastas and cookies
made from wheat. Besides, what's better than having all your friends gawking at a delicious and colourful homemade lunch - that you can brag about making yourself as well!
Always ask the waiter for their gluten free options - who knew De Dutch Pancake House could make a gluten free pancake to accommodate. Better yet, it's delicious!
Keeping a list of your favourite restaurants that have gluten free options on hand, just for those moments when you're out and about with someone who wants to grab a bite. It's a good idea to ensure that all of you can find something delicious to eat (and that doesn't mean settling on a drink).
Get into your kitchen, and cook! Learn a few dishes made from whole, natural ingredients, and learn to make them well. Exclude any packages from these meals.
Picking up a dry, gluten free scone or muffin from the freezer won't leave you satisfied any more than McDonald's fries in the long run, however, by taking a little time to cook or bake something, or by planning out meals with ingredients for the weeks dinners, you'll have the satisfaction of good, wholesome food, and the accomplishment of cooking something delicious.
Fibre. It's your new best friend, and it's definitely mine. Don't be afraid to talk about it, because most likely you will.
To continue with my last point: remember seeds. Sprinkle them on cereal, on salads, or add to smoothies. Keep them in a pretty little glass jar on the counter too, they'll look appealing that way, and you won't forget about them! Not only do they keep up your energy, but also add a little bit of essential oil in your diet to keep everything happy in your stomach!
Especially in high school, there will be people who pick up being gluten free as another fad diet. You could be bothered by it, or instead, just let them figure it out. Most people try things on in high school anyway, only to abandon them after a few months, or weeks even. This goes for anyone who doesn't have to deal with high school too: people try things on, and if everyone seems to be doing it, they'll wonder why they aren't. Fads do fade, but the benefit is that at least everyone will know what a gluten free diet means.
Dessert is part of living a full, exciting life. Live life. Eat dessert when you want.
When someone invites you over for dinner, or to stay the night, what do you do? Start by simply telling them you are wheat free (often people misunderstand the term 'gluten free'), and hope they actually know what that means. So far, friends have known, or not been afraid to ask. (Honestly, I think most people would just Google it on their phone). It's amazing how many people don’t realize the expanse of everyday recipes that don't contain gluten, since it depends on how it's made. (I'm thinking stir fries and soups).
Mums will get worried. No matter what is is. And they will be worried about the gluten free diet, at least at some point: Are you eating enough? Is there enough protein in your diet? Invite her for dinner, or cook her something delicious and gluten free! (See point twelve).
Most people really have no idea what gluten is, and you'll find yourself explaining where it's found, or attempting to recite a long list of things that contain it. Start by using 'wheat free' instead, which is usually better known. Although, even after it all, they might ask if you want a muffin afterwards, in which case your list may have been too detailed.
It's usually a good idea to keep some gluten free baked goods on hand, and some in the freezer. When you've just been for coffee with friends and they've all had delicious smelling bakery items, coming home to an empty kitchen could be more than disappointing.
Don't be disappointed if close friends forget your intolerance to gluten. Their busy lives are what's on their mind, not necessarily you, so kindly remind them, and over time it will stick.
When going to someone's house, bring 'treats' to share with your friend(s), that way, you can ensure you'll have something to eat, without feeling like you're 'different' or excluded from whatever they're doing.
I don't make cookies with any type of bean flour. I love eating the dough too much to risk the taste of raw bean flour!
With every trip to the grocery store, bring home some fresh produce, and try fruits and vegetables you've never had before! All naturally gluten free.
Find a favourite brand of gluten free chocolate, and stick to it. Use it in baking, for eating, and for any sort of bad day and general chocolate craving. As this quote so perfectly says, "Whatever the question, the answer is always chocolate." {Nigella Lawson}
People can be mean about things they don't understand. Surprised? Even when you know you can't have gluten, some people think you're doing it for attention, or to be trailing on bandwagon of 'fad diets.' You know what you have to do, so try and ignore them. If they continue, there's always one of you that is feeling awesome from good food that can attempt to resolve the situation with a level head.
Gluten free granola. I love it, but after our free samples from the expo ran out, I realized just how expensive it was, and now, it's time to make our own. Dried fruit, seeds, nuts, cinnamon, gluten free oats. Delicious.
Reading other's gluten free blogs is one if the most comforting things. Who else knows exactly what you might be experiencing, and can eloquently describe their experience better?
Find a buddy to cook with. It's much more fun to try new things with someone else, and to laugh over anything that goes wrong.
There's always time for me. And it's always important to take them time when needed. (Music up loud... cooking in the kitchen, or just reading out in the sun).
Most of all, keep having fun in whatever you do.
