Oh No - Gluten Allergy, how will I grocery shop?

You have just received a diagnosis of Celiac or Gluten and Wheat sensitivity. Your first thoughts are oh no - what in the world can I eat. It's a daunting thought especially in a world of chicken nuggets and fried everything. But I promise there is a plethora of foods available to you that taste amazing and are gluten free.

My first question is what does your grocery cart look like? Here is my cart from today's grocery experience. Look at the colors, the textures and yes that is a bag of corn chips in there. You have to be diligent in your shopping but your regular grocery store has most of what you need and if they don't ask them to stock it. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the first order of business upon entering the store. You will need to have these on hand every week. I clean up the lettuce and fruits that need to be prepared (strawberry, grapes) as soon as I get home that way I know they are ready for consumption whenever I'm in the mood to eat. Lunch can be deli meat (Boar's Head Oven Roasted Chicken and Turkey Breast are gluten free). I ask at the counter to see the actual packages with nutritional information on them to ensure gluten free. Boar's Head actually says it on their packages. A quick stop at the seafood counter for fresh(like) shrimp and the meat counter for ground beef (91/9). I'm halfway done with the shopping for the week. Then it's the sale items and Bob's Red Mill section. My Smiths (Kroger) carries a wide variety of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free products with my favorites being the pancakes, pizza dough and all purpose baking flour. You can serve any of these to your wheat eating friends and they won't know the difference. Yes also in that shopping cart above you see Rice Chex. Thank you General Mills for your conscious effort towards a gluten free product in your Rice and Corn Chex. Some people think they can't buy store brands but you can. Today I purchased store brand organic peanut butter, tea bags, soda water, pickles, potato chips and organic butter. For some reason butter is okay for me but milk and cheese isn't. These products are truly fine, 2-3 ingredients all gluten free so read the labels you might be surprised at the items you still CAN have even with your diagnosis.

I know it is overwhelming to think about everything that has wheat in the products and it is for everyone around you too. The key for eating is to eat food products that are whole foods. It may take a little more preparation but your body will love you for taking the time. Good luck with your next shopping experience!