When I was diagnosed just a few days ago, I knew my life was about to change drastically. I envisioned immediate relief from this constant pain I experience almost daily and I figured it would be easy. I was so wrong!
I never imagined there would be gluten in so many things like mustard, canned beans, lunch meat, chapstick, shampoo, nail polish and so much more. I also did not realize that I would end up calling tons and tons of manufacturers to question them about their products since so many are not labeled for easy checking. Nor did I imagine that I would have to get rid of about 75% of the food we had in the house, buy new pots, pans, cooking utensils and even new appliances.
I imagined there was a huge variety of gluten free foods and that was all I had to change. I didn't think that it would be all that different. My grocery store has only a few gluten free items spread thinly throughout the store. Since I am still sick, I am unable to travel very far to get the things to restock our home. Thankfully my husband and mother have been helping me out to grab the items that are too far for me to go to get. They've been wonderful.
There have been so many changes since becoming diagnosed that I every so often I feel very overwhelmed. Something as simple as taking my son out to eat on his birthday has become scary to me. Sure there are a handful of restaurants that have gluten free items, but, I am completely terrified of cross-contamination in the kitchen there. Also the thought of having to make my son his birthday cake and make cupcakes for his class has becoming so daunting. How on earth am I to figure out new recipes with just a couple of days until his birthday? But then I take a deep breath and realize that it will all work out and compared to the many, many benefits? These little worries are nothing.
I don't know what the states has, but we have a bulk food barn up there that sells gf cake mixes. It's easier to do than to break down and buyu the speciality flours, etc. I bought a vanilla cake one that I prepared as cupcakes for a wedding and they turned out wonderful, and taste good too! There are gf brownies, as well as other baked goods... also gf bread mixes, etc.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, for restaurants, you can't control everything. You can order your gf meal, but you can't guarentee cross-contam in the kitchen. :( Always carry something to settle your GI and don't be afraid of everything - otherwise you won't enjoy life! Often times the better health choices are gf, so it really is a win all around!
As for gravy - consider using cornstarch instead of flour to thicken, and start finding recipes that jazz-up rice for sidedishes! :)