Gluten-Free Day 1

Yesterday was supposed to be our first day gluten-free, but we were invited out to lunch. We decided we would do our best to limit the gluten for the day, and officially start the diet today.  It's better to start a new diet on Monday anyway, right?!

When I began reading further about a gluten-free diet, I found a list of foods not to eat & foods that can be eaten at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/MY01140

So, I went on my first gluten-free shopping trip Saturday but before I left the house, I did some research to get an idea of what I should buy.  I knew that our local Kroger store carried some gluten-free foods because I frequent the health food section, but I wanted to get an idea of what my options were.  I also looked over a few recipes I found online & then I wrote a list of a few things that I might want to get.  To my surprise, I found that one of the organic cereals I was buying was gluten-free (Enviro-Kids).  Also our drink of choice is purified water & has been for several years, so that is one less thing we had to change!

A few of the things I bought.

My first gluten-free shopping trip came in at just under $100 (with only 2 non-food items included).  I bought a couple of Bob's Red Mill mixes, an all-purpose flour mix, some rice pasta, and more cereal.  Oh, and gluten-free bananas (we can never have enough bananas)!  This shopping trip didn't include much of the usual fresh meats, veggies & fruit that are naturally gluten-free, as I bought most of those items earlier in the week.
  

I also discovered a local bakery which has a separate gluten-free kitchen where it bakes gluten-free breads & cookies.  I was impressed!  I stopped in today & bought a loaf of bread & 2 chocolate chip cookies.  The cookies were a hit, the bread was different but edible.  They offer several kinds of gluten-free bread.  http://www.applesbakery.com/

Needless to say, I realized it is going to be cheaper to put our son on this diet first than it is to put our family of 4 on it.  I am certain that as I delve deeper into recipes & check out a local Amish bulk supply store, I will find it easier & more cost effective to make the baked goods myself.  Thankfully, I have some experience in that area (I even have a Sunbeam mixer with a grain mill attachment).

I found a couple of gluten-free cookbooks that I am going to purchase.  I love that you can preview a book on Amazon!  Both books are written by Carol Fester, PhD.  One is titled 1000 Gluten-Free Recipes (I ordered through Amazon).  The other is Gluten-Free Quick & Easy, which I may pick up at my local Border's tomorrow (I'm hoping they will offer a mid-week coupon as they have been lately).

Day 1 is over.  No complaints.  In fact, our son's stomach issues were much better today (even though he did eat some gluten yesterday, he was able to keep it at a minimum).

Looking forward to Day 2.