Gluten Free Shopping   by Riley Jones

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2012-01-28)

Whenever you're 1st told you have a gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease, it is typically quite disturbing and rather demoralizing. Others may not be aware that. Of course, it's not like you have got cancer or anything, just some vague food allergic reaction. No, it's not cancer but neither are many difficult conditions and circumstances people face. This isn't just some vague food allergy either, it can be hard, painful and perhaps dangerous. Additionally, learning you're gluten intolerant promptly and greatly seals your fate forever; no more gluten products. So much easier said than done. This isn't just about getting rid of bread either but numerous other things, many of which you never even knew contained gluten. At the same time the sights and scents of both gluten-laden meals and people enjoying them are everywhere in our environment. This just isn't something you ever even noticed much before but now, with gluten products off your list, it's all that you do notice.

Now you must build a new list, a gluten free foods list. Appears logical but suddenly the gluten foods seem painfully appealing and your cravings soar. Breads, rolls, cupcakes, buns, bagels, spaghetti, meatloaf, croutons, or anything else. How will you just suddenly believe that you can no longer consume any of these food products that you've loved your complete life? As challenging as it all is, just understanding how to go without many of your beloved foods isn't the only struggle of going gluten free. There's also figuring out how to shop and to keep your peace of mind when you shop. Gluten free shopping can be difficult as well as costly. This is because gluten isn't just within bread, it's found in all kinds of items. It's even added to certain food items which wouldn't otherwise contain it. Most people never even think about whether gluten is in a food item or not. Now, you must know, and you have to know, every time you make a purchase and take a bite. To become a successful gluten free consumer you're gonna have to learn about gluten, learn what foods normally have it, which one's don't, which one's potentially have it, and which one sometimes have it, and when. You'll also need to learn all about food marking and particular substances and additives frequently used in food processing. All of these things might make your first couple of days, weeks and months after being diagnosed with celiac disease quite dreary. The mere thought of visiting a grocery store can be overwhelming. Meanwhile there's a chance you're shopping for a family at the same time who may have no aim of seeing their gluten established eating routine change.

You need to take a deep breath and know that given some time and experience, it will improve and you'll adapt. There are plenty of wonderful gluten-free alternatives just waiting for you to discover that will return cooking joy to your life. At some point you can also learn how to enjoy the task of gluten free shopping, finding clever tactics, recognizing new wellness bonuses and linking with others who are in the same boat. All of us have a incredible capacity to adapt to new situations and find good things in our changed circumstances, you just need to give it some time. What things can be particularly important for the newly diagnosed gluten-intolerant is that initial shopping venture; so here's a recommended strategy: To begin with, don't go it alone, and don't go it quickly. Instead make an evening out of it. Ask someone you enjoy being with to go with you, such as your wife or husband, a good friend or family member. (Do not take the children.) Prior to going shopping, have a nice dinner with the individual who is going to accompany you. This will not only set a pleasant tone but also keep you from being hungry in the store.

Rather than having a shopping list this first trip, make the list more about learning than buying. Arrange an outline of food types and categories that you would like to explore. Before you ever enter in the store, focus your thinking and planning on naturally gluten-free foods. Once you're in the store, stay away from the bread and pasta aisles just as much as you can. Shopping for natural gluten-free foods won't be too hard, the challenge will be processed, manufactured foods. Instruction and preparing will be key, but also endurance whenever exploring items and looking at labeling. As you discover gluten free items you think you might really like, toss them in your basket and don't deny yourself. After your grocery shopping treat yourself and your friend to a gluten free dessert. What's taking place here is not a gluten-free learning experience, but an attempt to connect your new gluten-free lifestyle with favourable experiences and emotions from the very start. Additionally this will help relieve tension and other negative feelings you may have had about being diagnosed with celiac disease. This is all a way of telling yourself, it's okay, you can do this and still lead a happy and enjoyable life with all sorts of wonderful foods. You'll learn to live with gluten intolerance and live better, and healthier than ever.

After you've become accustomed to how to shop in your local grocery store you may also want to check out some natural food stores, as well as online stores. Costs can be a critical factor however and you'll need to understand what you're getting into and how to save. For more information on this, as well as everything else related to gluten intolerance and gluten free foods, look at website: http://www.theglutenfreefoodslist.com/

About the Author

Riley is a middle aged blogger from the Southwest who has become a researcher of food allergies due to experiences withing his family.