Going Gluten-Free

I have toyed with the idea of going gluten-free since the beginning of our special needs journey.  But for awhile it was easy to dismiss because we did not have a recommendation from any of our physicians or a diagnosis that went hand in hand with GF.  But last summer we had one doc suggest trying gluten-free (he actually referred me to this site).  I didn't want to dive head on into a diet change without my husband and I being on the same page about it.  It has taken him a little while to come around but the more he has read about it the more he has realized that we would be negligent if we didn't at least try it out for Joe and Christine's sake.  The surprising thing was that after doing his own research was that he has realized he will probably benefit from going gluten-free also (he suffers from a sleep disorder, acid reflux and OCD...).

So, over the past few weeks I have been gathering resources and talking to friends who are GF and trying to get a plan together for us to transition to gluten-free.  I have a Pinterest board devoted to gluten-free recipes and tips, I bought a Groupon for Emeals meal planning service (they now offer GF, Clean Eating and Paleo Menus - among others) and I have hit the library looking for GF recipe books.  We have come across a myriad of articles that both support and discourage the diet.  I found one interesting post about what the bible says about eating grains.  There are a lot of great resources out there, including apps to help you menu plan or dine out while sticking to your gluten-free diet.

To be honest, the week before we made the switch my husband and I both "binged" on a lot of our favorite gluten-y foods.  And we paid for it.  By the end of the weekend we were both feeling pretty crappy.  Which in a way reinforced our decision to make this change for our family.  

We have designated the summer (through Labor Day) as our trial period for us to determine if gluten-free is a change that is necessary and worthwhile for our family.  We took the time to write down a list of things for us to keep an eye on for each person in our household.  Things that we hope will be helped by going gluten-free.  To give you an idea of what we listed: Isaac: acid reflux, dry skin, OCD...  Wani: stress, digestion, fatigue, depression... Nate: attention, dry skin, focus... Joe: eye contact, balance, communication... Christine: digestion, coordination, communication...  just to name a few.  

So please join with us in saying a prayer that God will make it clear to us if this is His plan for our family.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.-  1 Corinthians 10:31

 

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