It’s been about 2 years since our family’s eating habits changed. My husband was going through his last year of Physical Therapy school. School was stressful and he was always feeling tired, even after he was well rested. He started noticing his joints were achy and stiff. He was getting sick more often. We thought it was just from the stress of school and having a family. But when he noticed his range of motion was decreasing he went to a doctor. The doctor did some testing and discovered that he was anemic, which for a healthy 20-something year old male that’s pretty unusual. This lead to more testing and finally a diagnosis of Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is basically an auto-immune disease where you intestines attack themselves when gluten is detected. Gluten is a protein found mainly in wheat, barely and rye (meaning basically any bread, pasta, and battered food)
At the time we were so overwhelmed. Trips to the grocery store took twice as long because I had to read all the ingredient labels for hidden gluten. Many of over favorite meals I didn’t know how to make. But as time went on it got better. I educated myself and found great substitutions. My husband has always had a good attitude about it. He says, “I have this disease, but all I need to do is change my diet and I’ll be fine. I don’t have to take medicine or anything else, just change my eating habits.”
He didn’t have a choice in changing what he ate, some people do. We’ve known many people that have tried a gluten-free diet because they were tired of feeling bloated, lethargic, and over weight. My husband often recommends to his patients that they try a gluten free diet. The biggest reason to go gluten free, is that there’s simply is no downside to giving it a shot!
At first it may seem very restrictive. We started off buying all the special gluten free foods, but they were all so gross. They were dry and flavorless, just not the same. Then we discovered Udi’s. Last night my husband had a sandwich with a bun for the first time in 2 years! He said he couldn’t even taste the difference. I tried it too and I couldn’t taste the difference. Their products are gluten free and all natural. I feel like shouting about it from the roof tops! Even if you aren’t going gluten free but just want to be healthier, all their products are preservative free!
So if you have made a resolution to get healthy this year, try going gluten free. It may just help you feel better and give you more energy. What do you have to lose?!
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*I was supplied sample products from Udi’s, but all the thoughts and experiences are all my own!
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Great information! So happy that a company has provided a service that can help people with gluten intolerences.
Very good recipes and writtings on gluten intolerences, Princess Lacey…..Thank-you, Very helpful….Sheila Young