I realized I never really shared what happened with the 30 Day Gluten-Free Challenge so I figured I’d share more details about that, where things are now and my top tips for anyone wanting to try going gluten-free.
As you may remember, I went to Boston for work back in November. I talked about the accidental gluten I ate after ordering a dish with a non-gf sauce and then deciding to grab a beer with my boss the following night (my last night in Boston). It was a little slip off my 30 day plan but I didn’t really mind. I felt like I was already noticing a difference from eating gluten-free, mostly in terms of improved digestion, so I didn’t feel like I needed to continue with a dedicated 30 days without. I had already learned in 15 days what I anticipated may take 30: eating a mostly gluten-free diet is beneficial for me and my body.
So where does this leave me now? I’m eating 95% gluten-free. I’ve had a beer (or two) since, I bought some veggie sausages and realized after I’d been eating them for a couple days they contain wheat, and I’m not going to restrict myself if I want something that contains gluten from time to time.
I’m lucky that eating gluten-free isn’t a medical necessity for me but I’ve lived both ways and I see the benefits so I’m going to do my best to follow it when I can.
Anyway, I wanted to share my top 3 tips for going gluten-free. Now, I’m no doctor and as I’ve mentioned, I don’t have to eat this way out of necessity, but if you do – consult with your doctor or a nutritionist for more specifics. As for my experience, these are my top 3 tips on trying a gluten-free diet:
On a side note: My good friend and Blend, Brittany, is gluten-free and shares some amazing recipes on her blog. She was a HUGE resource for me before (and during) the challenge. If you don’t know her, check her out – she’s also the biggest sweetheart you’ll ever meet! Here’s a text she sent me with a few other sources of gluten:
Have you tried going gluten-free? What was your experience?
Oh friend!! I LOVE you!! I’m so proud of you… you are doing the GF thing so well.
Thanks, girl! I’ve really been trying and seeing the benefit. I’ll have to fill you in on the days I threw some oyster crackers on my soup…oh vey!
GREAT tips. I need to be better about meal planning… or should I say, I need to START meal planning more. Okay, I need to start meal planning PERIOD. haha I don’t do it at all right now.
YES. Meal plan! It’s so helpful!
PS nice graphic. 🙂 Pinning!
Thanks, girl! 🙂
I try to eat the GF bread at work with the breakfast sandwiches because I have a feeling some of my skin issues are due to gluten (of course I fear getting checked out and being told I’m allergic to everything like poor Calee!). I mostly notice that GF bread makes me uber thirsty and has a goofy texture. I am playing around with baking gluten free…so that’s fun! 🙂 Come visit me and I will bake your some almond cookies!! <3
Honestly, I’d rather not see a doctor and figure these sorts of things out myself if I can. 😉 YES I WANT TO COME VISIT!
I have never tried going GF but I think I’d mainly have the biggest issue with bread! Although there are so many GF options out there now I think I’d survive 🙂
Yes GF bread isn’t great haha. And I eat toast every morning!!
(You made 3 comments, so I’m responding to all 3!) 😉 But I think it’s about finding a GF bread you like because I’ve come to really like the Udis brand. Trader Joe’s brand is pretty good but I do really like Udis. I also toast it which I think is key! 😉
The bread is definitely the hardest for me but I’ve found that I really like Udi’s brand so it’s more about finding a brand that you like…OR making your own! 😉