Gluten Free

I had been thinking Autumn needed to go gluten free for a while and Ethan confirmed it. Basically he gave me the shove I needed to get moving. It is really a big commitment. We knew she didn't have Celiac disease because she was tested when her G.I. was done. But I have no doubt there is an intolerance she is facing. I decided if she is going gluten free then so are we. It is a huge process and change. Autumn and I spent about a week researching and processing information. We got books from the library and I ordered a few that were recommended. There is also a process of mourning. Mourning foods that we are so used to loving and eating. We are pretty addicted to carbs and love bread, muffins, etc. When going gluten free  flour, wheat, barley, malt, and rye must be avoided. There are many many foods that have these ingredients.

We finished the last of our bread and foods that I had to get out of the house. Then off to the grocery store we went. It is a pain having to read labels on every single item bought, with the exception of fresh fruit and veggies. I had a list of acceptable foods and we loaded up on fresh food as well. I ordered a book that gives me a list of all gluten free foods and it came today. It will be so much easier to shop now. Surprisingly there is  a lot of food we can still have that I did not think would be allowed.

We have gathered several recipes and have been trying them out and having a blast cooking. So far most foods have been good. I also ordered some gluten free flour to bake with. Holy cow it is so expensive. I want to make my own bread but it will be probably once a week or so.

I have been surprised that I haven't missed bread  food like I thought I would. Autumn cleaned out the pantry and we took all the things we can't eat down stairs. I am not quite ready to get rid of it all until I see changes and know this will work. I have read the body goes through withdraws as it is purging all the gluten. Rich and I have both had a really bad headache the past few days we can't get rid of. Autumn said her stomach doesn't hurt as bad as it did but it still hurts. It is okay though the days are early. She is sleeping better and even though she can't see a change yet I can tell she is feeling a little better. She hasn't been complaining of stomach issues as often. She also hasn't told me for a few days that she feels like crap. One thing I have noticed with her is she wants to go out with her friends more. She has actually gone out three times this past week. that is huge for her, usually she stays home and has no desire to go anywhere. I was on the scale today and have lost 4 pound over the past week. I haven't been very hungry or felt munchy.

I am not going to be as strict with Tymber and Hope. I still will make them eat gluten free with the rest of the family but if they eat hot lunch at school or end up with a snack that isn't gluten free it will be okay. I am curious if this will help Tymber and her ADHD out at all.

I wonder what changes I will see for week 2...