Question for those on a grain free diet...

[mytwomonkies]

I am gluten intolerant and just now figuring out that I really don't do well with any grains, including rice. I've been trying to be grain free for the past few weeks with just a few slip ups. I notice a huge difference on the grain free diet and the few slip ups I had resulted in fatigue, headaches, and some digestive issues. I do however feel that I need to replace the grains with something but I'm having trouble there. I've tried both quinoa and cream of buckwheat and love the taste of both however I get the same symptoms from these foods as I do from grains. My question is, what should I be replacing the grains with if I don't tolerate quinoa or buckwheat? I just don't feel that a diet of only fruits, vegetables, meat, and nuts is sufficient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[goldenwillow]

I am in the same boat as well.  I have eliminated all grains and beans, even soaked.  Interested to see what others can suggest.  I have an appt with my MW/ND next week and plan to ask her.  Let you know what I learn!

[Panserbjorne]

hmmm, not sure what help I have to offer as I feel it's perfectly sufficient.  what is it you think you're missing? micronutrient wise?

[mytwomonkies]

Originally Posted by Xantho 

I am in the same boat as well.  I have eliminated all grains and beans, even soaked.  Interested to see what others can suggest.  I have an appt with my MW/ND next week and plan to ask her.  Let you know what I learn!

Definitely let me know what she says! My last try with dried beans left me with gluten contamination, I have a bag of a different brand in the pantry but I haven't worked up the guts to try them yet :p Being able to eat beans would definitely help!

Originally Posted by Panserbjorne 

hmmm, not sure what help I have to offer as I feel it's perfectly sufficient.  what is it you think you're missing? micronutrient wise?

I guess I don't really know what I'm missing, my body just feels like there's something missing. Maybe it's just wanting something to help keep me full, it feels like I'm always hungry! So, nutrition wise, a diet of just vegetables, fruits, meats, and nuts (no beans, no potatoes, no grain alternatives) is sufficient ?

[Momo123]

I think the hungry feeling, and the feeling of missing something might be a normal part of going grain free. I have been grain free for almost 6 months now (gluten free before that for 1 year) as part of a candida diet and I was really miserable and never felt satisfied no matter how much I ate. Things improved a lot when I added back some starchy veggies like sweet potato, squash and the occasional potato. I used to have a grain or beans at almost every meal because it was easy and filling. Now I still miss it psychologically but I don't think I'm missing anything nutritionally that I can't get from eating the other stuff. If you want "baked" goods, you could experiment with nut or coconut flours to make muffins etc.

[maryamb]

We have been grain free since January because my son is gluten intolerant and was also diagnosed with a leaky gut.  In addition, my husband was having some health issues that his doctor said gluten was partially to blame.  The following books helped tremendously in making the transition to a grain free diet.  Since transitioning to this diet, as a family we never felt better.  I would have to say that the first month was the hardest as your body is learning new taste buds and is getting used to the new diet.  You'll be surprised that after the first month, you will not really crave grains anymore!  Our meals include meat and lots of vegetables and and fruit and nuts or Lara bar (only dates and nuts) for snacks.  We use almond flour a lot and make pancakes and desserts on the weekend.  These books have a lot of wonderful recipes and you can find more on-line.  We are also dairy free so we eat coconut ice cream for snacks.  I'll be happy to answer anymore questions/concerns that you may have, I know personally that transitioning to this diet is difficult.  Good luck!

http://www.thegardenofeatingdiet.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Going-Against-Grain-Reducing-Revitalize/dp/0658017225

[goldenwillow]

Originally Posted by mytwomonkies 

Definitely let me know what she says! My last try with dried beans left me with gluten contamination, I have a bag of a different brand in the pantry but I haven't worked up the guts to try them yet :p Being able to eat beans would definitely help!

Changed my appt for next week, Wednesday.... scheduling issue.  Will be in touch. 

[mytwomonkies]

Originally Posted by Momo123 

I think the hungry feeling, and the feeling of missing something might be a normal part of going grain free. I have been grain free for almost 6 months now (gluten free before that for 1 year) as part of a candida diet and I was really miserable and never felt satisfied no matter how much I ate. Things improved a lot when I added back some starchy veggies like sweet potato, squash and the occasional potato. I used to have a grain or beans at almost every meal because it was easy and filling. Now I still miss it psychologically but I don't think I'm missing anything nutritionally that I can't get from eating the other stuff. If you want "baked" goods, you could experiment with nut or coconut flours to make muffins etc.

Yeah, I've been gluten free for about a year and a half now (except for a 3 month gluten challenge for testing) and got pretty used to that way of eating. It hasn't been too much of a switch since really the only grain I was eating was rice. I agree, I think you're right about the hungry feeling just being part of it. I've discovered mock cauliflower "rice" to be a good fill in and am going to try mashed cauliflower as a potato substitute. I think I'm slowly getting there :)

As far as the baked goods I do have some pretty good recipes using almond flour but I try to use them sparingly, they don't agree with me if I eat too much. I also can't eat eggs since I'm still nursing our 22 month old and she doesn't tolerate them. Grain free baking is a little difficult without the eggs, one thing I'll be excited to add back in when I'm done nursing. If you have any good vegan grain free recipes send them my way! Thanks for your encouragement :)
 

Originally Posted by maryamb 

We have been grain free since January because my son is gluten intolerant and was also diagnosed with a leaky gut.  In addition, my husband was having some health issues that his doctor said gluten was partially to blame.  The following books helped tremendously in making the transition to a grain free diet.  Since transitioning to this diet, as a family we never felt better.  I would have to say that the first month was the hardest as your body is learning new taste buds and is getting used to the new diet.  You'll be surprised that after the first month, you will not really crave grains anymore!  Our meals include meat and lots of vegetables and and fruit and nuts or Lara bar (only dates and nuts) for snacks.  We use almond flour a lot and make pancakes and desserts on the weekend.  These books have a lot of wonderful recipes and you can find more on-line.  We are also dairy free so we eat coconut ice cream for snacks.  I'll be happy to answer anymore questions/concerns that you may have, I know personally that transitioning to this diet is difficult.  Good luck!

http://www.thegardenofeatingdiet.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Going-Against-Grain-Reducing-Revitalize/dp/0658017225

Thanks so much for the recommendations and encouragement! I'll definitely check these out!
 

Originally Posted by Xantho 

Changed my appt for next week, Wednesday.... scheduling issue.  Will be in touch. 

Looking forward to hearing the recommendations you're given!