It’s no secret that being new to any lifestyle change is hard. So when it comes to beginning a new journey of becoming gluten-free, and cutting out all things flour and wheat, eating can get hard!
I myself have been gluten-free due to my celiacs disease for twelve years now, and I myself made some rookie mistakes at the beginning of my gluten-free journey.
Here are some mistakes that many people make as they start out gluten-free. Hopefully, you can learn from other people mistakes. Even more, hopefully this can help your gluten-free journey to be easier and simpler.
ROOKIE MISTAKES PEOPLE NEW TO THE GLUTEN-FREE LIFESTYLE MAKE
#1- Buying way too much gluten-free food in one shopping trip without knowing how the products taste. Buying a lot of gluten-free items can be very expensive, and you may be disappointed in the taste and texture of some gluten-free products. Stick to trying no more than 3-5 new gluten-free food products in one shopping trip.
#2-Assuming that others know what gluten-free entails. Most people have heard about being gluten-free, but actually don’t know what it entails. I have heard everything such as “oh you can’t eat potatoes,” or “you only eat meat right?” Make sure that especially those in your inner-circle know EXACTLY what eating gluten-free entails. This drastically can help you avoid get accidentally “glutened” by friends.
#3-Not being specific and proactive enough when eating at restaurants. My biggest push on this is ask a lot of questions. I usually ask my waiter/waitress about 2-3 times that they made sure my meal was gluten-free. I have gotten sick the most from going out to eat so I can attest it’s ok to be the “buggy” customer at the restaurant. Your health is more important than trying to win best restaurant customer of the year.
#4-Making sure to question all the ingredients if someone tries to make you a gluten-free meal. Honestly, I politely turn people down when others ask if they can cook me a gluten-free meal. Why? Because there are so many seasonings and small ingredients that have gluten that get overlooked. My exception to this are people that eat gluten-free themselves, OR friends that I am comfortable with having them break down the recipe for me. Again, no one wants to be rude or ungrateful, however, getting sick from homemade fun is never fun either.
#5-Trying to cook gluten-free products the same way you cooked regular (gluten-filled) products. For example, gluten-free noodles turn to gooey, gross messes if you don’t watch them carefully while boiling them. The time limit for gluten-free noodles is different than regular noodles. When it comes to baking you have to remember products bake much differently than regular products. Gluten-free baked products usually don’t rise and fluff up like regular items. So just remember, cooking and baking gluten-free takes time and it can be frustrating at first.
#6- Not vocalizing your frustrations with your new gluten-free lifestyle. This may sound bizarre, but it’s hard to have a diet change, especially when it becomes a life long diet change. This change is not easy and it can be a struggle. I recommend finding Facebook groups, understanding friends and family members that you can lean on for support. Try your best to be optimistic, but also realize it’s ok to have days of frustration.
#7- Overlooking books and resources that can teach you more about living a gluten-free lifestyle. We are blessed to have so many resources to lean on when it comes to being gluten-free. Dig deep and find those gluten free blogs, books, Instagram accounts etc. the more knowledge you have about a gluten-free lifestyle, the better!
Hopefully your gluten-free journey can be a positive learning curve. Yes, it will be a learning curve but you will do well.
Best of luck on your gluten-free journey!
Until next time!
xoxo,
Christy Lee