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Is Gluten-Free the Way for Me?
Posted on Jan 19, 2012
Posted by Rob, Brand Manager of Community Activation
Have you ever found a solution to a problem, only to realize that solution didn't make you happy? A few weeks ago I was reading a magazine when the following line jumped out at me: "Do you suffer from fatigue, stomach cramps, and aching joints? Intolerance to wheat gluten might be to blame." The reason why it jumped out at me was that my answer to that question was "yes, yes, and yes."
Before I worked at Tom's of Maine, I had experienced very little exposure to the issue of gluten intolerance. I have a friend who has Celiac Disease, and through her I learned that gluten is a protein that is found in wheat. Avoiding gluten is extremely important for individuals who are coping with Celiac Disease, and while gluten is found in the obvious wheat products, it's in many unexpected sources as well – including some personal care products. Most of Tom's of Maine products are gluten-free, and we frequently get questions about our gluten-free mouthwash and gluten-free toothpaste. With my symptoms it seemed more likely that I was intolerant to gluten than facing Celiac Disease. Not wanting to self-diagnose, I went to the doctor. His advice was that for people with my severity of symptoms the best thing to do was to try and avoid gluten for a period of time to see if the symptoms subsided.
So why is that a problem? Three of my favorite consumables in the world are bread, pasta, and beer (not necessarily in that order) and in their traditional forms, each of these items has wheat gluten in them. Avoiding gluten meant either giving these products up, or finding a gluten-free alternative. Then there was the long term issue – what if I discover I AM intolerant to gluten? Does that mean giving up these foods forever?
I've been following my diet for about two weeks now, and I think my symptoms are subsiding. My experience with gluten-free foods has been mixed, to say the least. The bread I've found makes decent toast, but I'm not really seeing it as the foundation for a delicious sandwich. The gluten-free pasta I tried was terrible, with a strange gummy texture. I haven't tried any gluten-free beers yet, and am a little afraid of what I'll find.
I'm thankful for my good health, and have a deepened respect for people who deal with severe intolerance to gluten. But I'm also at a crossroad, and looking for help. Does my discovery mean a future of mediocre substitutes for my favorite foods? For those of you who have adapted to a gluten-free life, I'd love to hear from you. What are your favorite products? What resources do you use?
And most importantly, is there any such thing as a good gluten-free beer?
18 Comments
Renee said...
An acupuncturist asked me about my diet: "pasta, bread,pretzels,chocolate,cookies, candy. She suggested eliminating wheat, corn, soy, starch, dairy, sugar. I did. Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice Pasta. Try different grains, beans, etc.
on Feb 09, 2012 (11:21 AM)
Rob said...
Hi all, this is Rob. Thanks so much for the great input! It really has helped. In addition to the suggestions here, I've discovered that Bob's Red Mill has some great gluten free mixes. Their pancakes are incredible :)
on Feb 09, 2012 (10:09 AM)
Mary said...
There are ok gluten free beers, but I would not recommend Redbridge. On top of being an Anheuser Busch product (who wants to support them), it's no good, unless you like Budweiser. New Grist is alright, Bard's isn't too bad, but I think that Green's is the best. (I had not hear about Dogfish! I'm excited to hear that they will have one.) Also, Quinoa pasta is all we eat now. Make sure to cook Al Dente! :) My next step on this path is cutting gluten out of my household products...it was too much for me to take on all at once. Good Luck!
on Jan 28, 2012 (03:59 PM)
trish said...
Check into a book called Wheat Belly, a website, www.wheatbellyblog.com, and a 'Wheat Belly' FB page. There are tons of recipes and advice for those who are going gluten free.
on Jan 27, 2012 (09:44 AM)
Janeth said...
Yes, there is a gluten free beer and it isn't too bad. It can be purchased for sure at Whole Foods but many grocery stores are starting to carry it also. My daughter is gluten intolerant and every once in awhile she will eat something w/ gluten and she is ok but she considers it a "treat". You will get used to the diet and learn many tricks so you can enjoy the foods you like. (Try different GF pastas and don't overcook!)
on Jan 26, 2012 (11:46 AM)
sabrina said...
Yes I feel your pain. It took me along time to find products that work and don't break the budget. Glutiano has a new bread at lepps farm market abbotsford the best and corn pasta works wonders. Good luck and e-mail if need more info.
on Jan 25, 2012 (10:29 AM)
Cathy said...
Try Canyon Bakehouse breads. You don't have to toast them at all! Three family members, myself included, are gluten free for either celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. What we have discovered is that we have different taste profiles. Something that tastes delicious to one person might make the other two shake their heads in disbelief. Just keep trying and don't give up. Everything will eventually fall into place. Also check out gluten free vendor fairs. Huge help!
on Jan 24, 2012 (02:37 PM)
Kelly said...
I am a recent convert to a GF CF diet. The good news: Dogfish Head is coming out with a gluten free.It is just being release this week and will be produced 4 times a year (in between seasonal beers). Knowing those guys, it won't disappoint!
on Jan 21, 2012 (12:07 PM)
Julie Forziati said...
@So_Delicious #soy #organic #glutenfree #neapolitan frozen dessert. OMG! Other #GF flavors available. Going to eat some now!
on Jan 20, 2012 (07:36 PM)
jen said...
sorry for so many posts....but do not try new grist gf beer. it's disgusting!!! you will be happy you didn't! redbridge, redbridge, redbridge! :)
on Jan 20, 2012 (04:32 PM)
Dano said...
and rice paper dumplings and there is gluten-free beer! Don't know how good it is but rock your options!
on Jan 20, 2012 (04:02 PM)
Dano said...
I'm not celiac but I've cooked and dieted for it. I think you'll feel a greater sense of loss if you lack getting abundance from your alternative options. I'd learn pad thai and buy bean curd wrappers, make sizzling rice cake and rich rice pudding
on Jan 20, 2012 (04:00 PM)
Tanya said...
I can't help you with the beer, but at my house we prefer rice noodles. They can usually withstand a lot of cooking before they get mushy. I buy a box bread mix (either Gluten Free Pantry or King Arthur). The easiest thing to to is make it in a bread machine, but you can bake it in the oven. I keep enough out for a couple days and freeze the rest so I have it as needed.
on Jan 20, 2012 (03:42 PM)
Jen said...
ps- i actually enjoy the redbridge beer. just picked myself up a 6-pk! and you should be able to find pizza/pasta places that have gluten free options. i know here in Spokane, a ton of restaurants have gluten free menus!
on Jan 20, 2012 (03:25 PM)
jen said...
as for pasta: there is a really great quinoa pasta that's healthy and tastes closest to regular pasta. and my favorite gluten free beer is redbridge which is the easiest to find and made by bud. try them out and let me know what you think!
on Jan 20, 2012 (03:22 PM)
Jeff Foster said...
Hello Rob, KerryAnn Foster of Cooking Traditional Foods (www.cookingtf.com) can help you. Her recipes are the best and can help save you money to boot. Her business came about after she learned that she had Celiac's disease. Love Toms!
on Jan 20, 2012 (03:19 PM)
Jen said...
ok i have tried almost everything so i will save you some money and some agony. my suggestions for pizza, bread, pasta, and beer: udi's bread(or rudi's is pretty good too), make your own pizza using udi's pizza crusts(they are my fave).....
on Jan 20, 2012 (03:17 PM)
Cristina said...
Quinoa pasta! It tastes better than wheat pasta and my friend's can't tell the difference when I serve it to them. And after a couple weeks, my cravings for delicious wheat bread subsided when I connected it with how sick it made me feel. Good luck!
on Feb 09, 2012 (07:40 PM)