Gluten-Free

So...about 4 months ago my cousin suggested I cut out gluten for 30 days.  For those of you who aren't quite sure what gluten is, it is a protein found in wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, malts and triticale (a hybrid of wheat).  She had discovered that she had a gluten allergy and it can be hereditary.  Plus, there have been stomach issues in the family (don't worry I won't go into that), which can also be an indicator. I figured I could do anything for 30 days, so I decided after our family beach trip, I would do this little experiment.  Well...I lasted 2 weeks and then one night I got a grilled chicken sub.  I hadn't even eaten the whole thing and my stomach revolted.  My stomach swelled so much, I looked 5 months pregnant.  I had major stomach problems and felt so incredibly sick.  I couldn't sleep because I was so uncomfortable.   I was moaning, yes moaning, and my husband wasn't even here to hear me.  That was when I figured that I was gluten intolerant--it was pretty clear. 

So...it has been about 4 months and I have gone gluten-free.  It hasn't been too difficult or hard--there are a lot of gluten-free options out there.  Of course I miss cookies, cake, brownies, French bread, etc. (they have them gluten-free, but it usually is more of an effort to either find or make them yourself).  People always ask if I notice a difference, in terms of health/energy/mood...honestly I'm not too aware.  I feel better about myself because I have lost weight (about 20 pounds), I think I sleep better at night, and I think that the exercise I have been doing is now effective without gluten in my diet.  I definitely notice if I eat something with gluten (in medium to large amounts, small doses I don't have a reaction)--stomach discomfort--and that is a big reason for me to steer clear!

These are some of the things that I really can't enjoy anymore:

Of course many of the above items do have their gluten-free versions, but it just isn't the same (however I have had some pretty damn good gluten-free cupcakes).  I've had some pretty good g-f pasta and pizza, as well---but nothing beats the real thing when it comes to pizza and pasta, lets just be honest.

Due to having to steer clear of easy to eat sweets and carbohydrates, I've had the perk of dropping some poundage.  Since I've lost the weight, it has been fun to hear people comment--especially over Christmas when I saw friends and family I hadn't seen in a while.  I guess I didn't really notice the weight loss until my pants started to get rather big.  I think the biggest reason I've lost the weight is due to not being swollen anymore--I think I have pretty much been swollen for like 10-15 years (when I think my gluten intolerance kicked in).  Trust me, there are plenty of ways to pack on the pounds even with a gluten-free diet, but it definitely keeps me away from easy cookies, cupcakes, etc.  Although I did make g-f pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving and it was freaking delicious...and just as loaded with calories as the gluten version.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share my experience and newly gluten-free lifestyle and see if anyone else out there has had a similar situation.  Are you gluten-free?  Do you have a favorite recipe to share?  I've discovered Skinnytaste, which is an awesome website/blog and Gina has a whole gluten-free section of recipes!  I really want to try this Shrimp, White Bean and Spinach dish:

I mean, how good does this look?

I got the ingredients at the grocery store over the weekend, and am going to make it this week, so I will let you know the verdict...I might have to add some sundried tomatoes, too...

I love food.

~Lexie