I just wanted to share the little bit of success we've already experienced. I have noticed that when we eat, Daniel doesn't have to immediately go to the bathroom. And, when he does, he's not in there for hours! This diet isn't just good for his health, it's good for our relationship! We have so much more time to spend together now!

The Food For Life bread is a definite NO. To clearly express to me his thoughts on the density of it, he did a few sets of curls with the loaf, stating "It may not make a good bread, but it sure makes for a good workout..." If nothing else, at least we got a good laugh out of it

I asked him if he has noticed a difference in how he feels yet, and he said he feels a bit gassy, and sort of constipated. I asked if maybe it's just that he's not used to actually digesting his food, maybe it's the feeling of being more normal. He said he doesn't remember what normal feels like, and it's definitely a possibility. We've been wondering what we should do about fiber. It seems like he's not getting enough...should we try the powdered fiber you can add to food or drink that is tasteless?? Also, we're going to get a good daily vitamin.

What do you do when it comes to "natural flavors"? There are a lot of foods out there that contain no weat, barley, oats, rye, malt, but they do have naturla flavors, carmel color, or smoke flavoring. Should I just contact the manufacturors for each of these, or is there some kind of list or general rule I can follow?

Thanks so much for all of your input, suggestions and support. I feel like I'm already a part of this big, gluten-free family!! You guys are great!

Sami

Sami:

If an item list natural flavors, it still must list wheat if added. I don't worry so much about it, but it does depend on the product. If a product would not naturally add barely, malt, rye and does not list wheat, I'm ok with that. Contacting the company is always good because sometime they change their ingredients. In other words, don't rely on a product that you knew was gluten free several years ago.

Regarding fiber. I always keep some wild, brown, of mixed rice available. Fresh veggies are always a good source. I drink a V-8 every day. Salads will be helpful.

You are a quick learner and doing a great job!!

For fiber I just make sure I get lots of fruits and veggies everyday. This was a change for me.

Great! That helps a lot. I need to get him to try more veggies. He's a broccoli and corn guy, and doesn't stray much from that. Maybe I could make some kind of veggie casserole, or lasagna (is there a gluten-free lasagna pasta??), it might get him to eat more veggies.

I wouldn't know 90% of what I know now if it wasn't for this forum. You're all such a great help!

Thanks a million!!

Sami

Yes, there is gluten free pasta out there, usually made from rice or brown rice. Tinkyada is a popular brand around here, but there are many others that are just as good. I didn't have much luck with corn pasta, the corn flavor was so strong, it was hard to taste the other things in the salad that I made. But everyone's tastes are different!

BamBam

BamBam,

Thanks! Is there a way to order the Tinkyada pasta online? I'll have to check if any of the stores in my area carry it. I'll definitely check that out!

Sami

P.S. I love your ID, my parents called me BamBam when I was young

You can get it on line and it's not a bad pasta.
I had horrible luck with lasagna, the noodles would be goo when I cooked them first so I decided to try it the lazy way. I brown my meats and then add one of the gluten-free Delmonte pasta sauces (the one with meat flavor is not safe but they have wheat on the label) Then I take the Tinkyada lasagna noodles UNCOOKED and my cheeses and start layering. After all is layered I pour about 3/4 of a cup of water over the whole thing and seal tightly with foil. About half way through a one hour or so cook I check and make sure the top noodle is still covered with sauce and it does not look dry. A bit more water can be added at that time if needed. About 5 minutes before it is done I take off the foil and add more cheese and let it brown. It's quick and it reheats in the microwave for lunch or supper the next day quite well.

Also with the natural flavors I always call. You never know when a bit of malt might be added. Always better to be safe than sorry and some times they'll send ya coupons.

Awesome! That's so great! Thanks for the recipe, I'm definitely going to try.

The help I receive from everyone on this forum never ceases to amaze me!!!

Sami

Dear Sami,
It is wonderful to find out Daniel is doing better! I do not know what fiber supplements are safe.
It is funny, you forget what normal is like. Then when you start feeling better, you think something is wrong! I always eat a couple of plums when I need to ease constipation. Really, apples are great as well. Make sure he eats them with the skin on! The peel is important to the fiber content. I would not take anything with psyllium husk, it really hurt me! He might want to stay clear of that, too.
Sincerely,
NoGluGirl

NoGluGirl,

It's good to know he's not the only one to feel that way! I'll let him know that it's common, and he might feel a little better about it. He does like apples, so I'll make sure he gets enough of those. I'm not sure about the plums, I'll have to ask him. Thanks for the warning about psyllium husk, I would have never known! I think we're going to try to take care of it naturally, and see if he starts feeling more normal. And, if that doesn't work, we'll discuss a supplement.

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Sami

Dear Sami,
Anytime for our buddies! We are a tight-knit group! We know how much it sucks to suffer. Easing others pain as much as possible is important to us all on here! It is so funny, because you do not realize you feel good at first! My first thought was "I feel different." Then I realized "I feel better!" "This is what your are supposed to feel like...good!" It was really something!

Apples contain up to 5 grams of fiber each. That is good. Also, plums are so good! They have been a great way to help constipation, but without suffering miserable after effects. I took FiberCon at the advise of a GI doc, and thought I was going to die! The pain was unbearable!

Sincerely,
NoGluGirl