Dear Gluten Free Newbie,
Welcome to a world of excitement and functioning at your best. The choices and opportunity you are presented with now are amazing, but can produce a feeling of overwhelm. I discovered my allergies 6 years ago but I’m pretty sure my body started reacting 15 years prior. I wanted to share a handful of stuff I’ve learnt so far.
If you are gluten free as part of a fad or lifestyle choice then jog on but if you are genuinely here to give yourself a better life – welcome.
Being gluten free will absolutely be the best happening to your life. Say goodbye to bloating, stabbing pains, poor body image, sleeping while you’re awake, needing 10 hours sleep a night, diarrhoea, and other lovely side effects.
TIP ONE: HAVE A PLAN
Many before me have said this. However, it’s really easy to fall into some bad traps with low planning including high-sugar snacks out of packets at the supermarket or not giving your body enough protein from only hitting up fruit on the go. Jayne from Sweat and Oranges made a significant impact on my view of how to plan and how easy it can be. Things like:
- A roast chicken can last a dinner and two lunches
- The need for home-cooked frozen meals. Or something like Dineamic
- Having a protein handy to chuck with whatever you have in the fridge for breakfast – eggs, spinach, LSA, chia, banana, berries, almond milk, coconut water, apple cider vinegar… I reach for Vegan product Sunwarrior as I’m gluten and dairy free
TIP TWO: AVOID SOCIAL TRAPS
The biggest social traps include hot chips and gluten free bread. Opt to fill your breakfast plate up with beans or spinach, and when it comes to lunch or dinner, hot chips are amazing but there is a 90% chance you’ll be able to find another modified option on the menu.
What you don’t realise yet is that you are special, you hold much more power and responsibility than before. You have an opportunity to be a leader amongst your friendship group.
Sneaky meals at home before you go out for dinner may be the way you start, but over time you will be able to skew your friends to make better choices. The other side of this is you will be the one to choose and organise most outings – and do remember if the meal is crap, you will get the blame. It’s best to grow a thick skin. These days I can go to most places without checking the online menu because I have the confidence in my knowledge.
Gluten free food doesn’t have to be boring and dull
TIP THREE: CAMP WISELY
People tend to eat everything out of bread on camping trips and team it up with meat and tomato sauce. Be wary of this. Gluten free bread doesn’t seem to keep well on camping trips. I pack plates, knives and forks so at least I can eat my meat and sauce off a plate. If I’m really keen and it’s longer than overnight, I’ll source salad options for the trip.
TIP FOUR: FOOD COURTS CAN BE YOUR FRIEND
V-line for Sushi, Sumo Salad and AliBaba. Alibaba have a gluten free wrap that rivals any I’ve tried. If you are searching for something sweet Muffin Break will get you over the line. Please note if you are dairy intolerant then Sumo Salad is one to avoid, they love to lather the greens in creamy sauces and cheese.
In reality, there are so many scenarios that hold challenge. I guess I found the above most difficult. I’m positive as soon as this article goes live I will think of more! If you have any questions about Gluten Free life please don’t hesitate to tweet me @glufreeevents or email me at sam@glutenfreeevents.com.au
I sincerely wish you well on your endeavours into your new and improved life,
Samantha Charlton
