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I’ve Gone Gluten-Free: Update!

January 22, 2015 by Keri 5 Comments

3 months ago (to the day!), I wrote this post about going gluten-free. I’m just shy of being 4 months gluten-free! Time surely does fly. Anyway, I wanted to update you on how it’s been and what I’ve learned. 

Gluten free signal

 

In that post, I explained what symptoms I was dealing with and that most of them had subsided within 3 weeks. I also mentioned that at week 4, I would be reintroducing gluten to see what happened. So, at week 4 I decided to get my favorite Chinese takeout (Chicken and Broccoli). 

I made the decision to have the chicken and broccoli because I have read mixed things about the gluten-containing ingredient: soy sauce. Some say there really isn’t much gluten present due to the fermentation process; others say there is definitely enough gluten to cause a reaction. I was hoping I wouldn’t have any sort of reaction so that I could still eat it from time to time!

Immediately after eating dinner, I felt sick. My stomach was bloated, in pain, and then the digestive problems began. Fast-forward another 4 weeks; I tried introducing gluten again (just incase the last time was in my head), but this time I had sushi with a lot of soy sauce. The same thing happened, but this time it was much worse. The pains were awful, the brain fog came back, and I was so tired.

Since then, I’ve created my own version of chicken and broccoli – get the recipe here.

Chicken with Broccoli 

Fast-forward another 4 weeks and I tried introducing gluten again. This time I had a sugar cookie – a very small one. Within about an hour of eating it I started to feel sick, have brain fog, and get really tired. I laid in bed for about 2 hours with an awful headache and my stomach gurgling. Yuck!

I don’t plan on reintroducing gluten again anytime soon, it’s just not worth it! Plus, I’ve adjusted very well to being gluten-free. I feel the best I have in years – no more brain fog, dizziness, stomach pains, or eczema! I’ve lost 7 pounds and haven’t had a pimple since going gluten-free. I’d say those are pretty amazing results.

I still don’t know for sure if I have celiac disease, and to be honest I don’t really care. I have no intention of going to a doctor and going through (and paying for) a multitude of tests. I know I can’t tolerate gluten and that’s good enough for me. Maybe someday I’ll want to know, but right now I’m happy!

I’ve said before that I don’t want this blog to be all about gluten-free – I want everyone to be able to enjoy my recipes. A lot of my recipes are naturally gluten-free, but whenever I have one with a gluten-free ingredient I make sure to give you different options if you don’t need gluten-free. I will continue to do that!

The biggest thing I learned by going gluten-free is to make better food choices. I’ve always been into health and nutrition (it’s what I studied for 4 years in college!), but I got lazy after college and wasn’t keeping up.

It’s easy to just replace all of your favorite gluten-containing foods with gluten-free ones, but that’s not really a good thing. Gluten-free items aren’t any healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts. So, instead I’ve been eating a lot more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, etc. Instead of trying to replace the pasta, bread, etc. I’m just not eating it. And I feel great eating REAL food!

real_food

Now, of course I do get a craving for these foods every now and then. So, I consider them a treat. Once in a while I’ll buy some gluten-free pasta, or I’ll make a batch of the best chocolate chip cookies ever. I will still share gluten-free desserts because they are a fun, occasional treat. 

Cookie in Hand

I’m enjoying meat a lot more than I once did and thanks to the spiralizer, I’ve been enjoying vegetables in a whole new way!

My whole point here is that going gluten-free isn’t a fad – the media is making it one. It’s a lifestyle change that we continue to learn more and more about. Don’t just “go gluten-free” because everyone is doing it – do your research and draw your own conclusions! Be proactive about your health!

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Filed Under: Gluten-Free, Lifestyle

« Chicken and Broccoli
Perfect “Pick Me Up” Green Smoothie »

Lovely comments

  1. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says

    January 22, 2015 at 11:20 am

    It’s so true that everyone is making “gluten-free” into a fad these days, which really bugs me because it truly does make you feel amazing! My husband and I went gluten free for several months last year and it was the best we’ve ever felt.
    Annie @ The Garlic Diaries recently posted…30 Minute One Pot White Chicken ChiliMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      January 22, 2015 at 11:52 am

      I know, it’s so frustrating! It is amazing how great you can feel by eliminating it! It’s so hard in the beginning, but for me it became pretty easy because it actually does make me sick, so I’m not even tempted to eat it!

      Reply
  2. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    January 22, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    I’m so happy that your diet has contributed to better health. My father in law has celiac disease, and ever since going gluten free he is feeling SO much better. I’m kind of gluten free right now too, so excited to see what you cook up next!
    Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Tuna in Cucumber CupsMy Profile

    Reply
    • identiconKeri says

      January 22, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      It’s truly amazing to me that after suffering for so long, going through numerous medical tests and getting no answers that it ends up being something as simple as gluten. I feel like a whole new person! I’m glad your father-in-law is feeling better!

      Reply
  3. John Gatesby says

    January 6, 2021 at 2:44 am

    I am glad that you found out the source of your chronic pain and did well by staying away from it and now enjoying a much better quality of life, free of stomach pain and that too in a holistic manner, without involving any medication.
    John Gatesby recently posted…What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)My Profile

    Reply

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I'm Keri: the passionate foodie behind the blog. I created Fashionable Foods to share fresh, homemade food with a creative twist. I live in Delaware with my husband Kyle, our son Nolan, and cat Basil. Favorite things include beach days, wine, and popcorn.
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