Part 4: Gluten Free With Fibromyalgia Series
Part of adopting a gluten-free diet is experimentation -- you go to an unfamiliar section of the grocery store and pick unfamiliar products to try. I quickly learned that not all gluten-free foods are created equal! In fact, I've considered some of them downright inedible.
Fortunately, however, I've found many that I like. My favorites include:
- Quinoa pasta: It looks and tastes most like the real thing and doesn't get as mushy as rice pasta can. Also, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is supposed to be a really healthy grain.
- CheBe bread mixes: These are simple to make and I like the flavor and texture better than other mixes I've tried.
- Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Brownies & Chocolate Chip Cookie mixes: The cookies are a bit dry and crumbly, but the flavor is definitely better than most. The brownies are fabulous.
- Van's Gluten-Free Waffles: Really exceptional.
- Amy's frozen entrees: This entire line is NOT gluten free, so be sure to check the labels. I keep a few of these around for the days when I just don't have the energy to cook, and they're really good.
- Mrs. May's Trio Bars: Yummy, filling and easy to grab when you're tired or busy.
I've been surprised by some mainstream foods that are gluten free, including Stagg chili, Classico pasta sauces, Starburst and Skittles candies, and most varieties of M&Ms.
What gluten-free foods do you like? Which ones have you NOT liked? Share your gluten-free experiences by leaving a comment below!
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- Part 1: Living Gluten Free With Fibromyalgia: An Emotional Hit
- Part 2: GF Grocery Shopping
- Part 3: Challenges of GF Cooking
- Part 5: GF Eating Out
- Part 6: GF Calorie Counting
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I have been eating gluten free for 3 years now and it makes a huge difference in my pain levels. I have found two cookbooks that make gluten free muffins, cookies, etc that are easy and taste amazing. I like the oat based ones. Eating in restaurant is the biggest issue. Unfortunately most of the Amy’s line gives me a stomach ache – through her Mac and Cheese is worth it! I would love to see a forum for what others have tried and liked on the GF foods!
I find it very difficult to get gluten and dairy free foods here in Australia. I do check as mny online sites as I can find for recipes, I wish they were all, rated by people who had actually made them as some are great and many even my dog will not eat!! Trial and error can be very expensive aswell as time and energy consuming, when I do not have much of either.
White Spelt spaghetti, much better than the old whole grain spelt that was around for years, cooks quick in 5 minutes, keeps it’s texture.
Nut Thin crackers are a favorite, voted most like real food by my healthy friends.
Amy, what are those 2 cookbooks?
Spelt is wheat and not “gluten free”
I have had to learn to cook without gluten, dairy, yeast and sugar for the last 3 years. It has been quite daunting but I have found a series of cookbooks called ‘Cooking Without’ by Barbara Cousins. They are absolutely fabulous and I would not be without them. They are recommended for people with chronic fatigue and allergies and cover from brekkie to supper.
FYI, spelt contains gluten. It’s a good alternative to wheat, but it’s not GF. Same with kamut.
Loving quinoa, millet, amaranth…..
I can rarely have GF products, because I am also allergic to rice and corn (seems most of these types of products have either/or).
To Heather from January 25, 2010 at 6:29 pm:
Hi Heather,
Do you have any ideas for us?? I ask you because of your gluten & corn & rice allergies.
I have Gliadin & Glutenin (2 proteins of Gluten) allergies..in addition to many others. I’m non-celiac.
I’m allergic to all legumes and seeds and tomatoes…and everything else..lol
I’m 41, athletic, slender, and feel & see the difference when I eat something that is on my “no no” list.
We just tested my husband, IgG & IgG comprehensive assays and found out that he is worse. He is also allergic to corn & rice and millet, and all legumes, and most vegetables. His parents were so surprised because he doesn’t have health problems that we know of, is 33, 6′ 1″ and 175 and happy!! I tried to explain allergies…but…they think that they don’t trust those kind of results with such a ‘healthy’ guy. Please note that he doesn’t eat anything “with eyes or a mother.” lol
We have been trying Organic Quinoa; he does ok…my tummy swells.
***Do you have any other grain ideas for my 100% Organic, vegetarian, allergic-to-all-beans-and-many-veggies hubby?
I eat some fish, now that I found out that most Organic animals sold for retail are given vaccines..in fact, it’s a federal law for retail beef, organic or not, to be given vaccines for Black Leg & Brucellosis. I just found out this week & have cut eating Organic meat; fish only for me, now.
Thanks for your help..or anyone who wants to offer info.
Scratch cooking is where we are at.
We ARE looking at alternative ways to heal our cells & DNA…organic herbal tinctures & teas, juicing, organic oregano oil.
I already was treated for Hg++ (mercury) poisoning back in 1998..detoxed.
FYI… DO NOT EAT GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD!
If you do, you are not a vegetarian!
Thanks everyone!
Michelle
Appercitaoin for this information is over 9000-thank you!