Resources on Gluten Free Diet

I am considering trying a gluten free diet for our family in a few weeks--my DS does show a reaction to gluten in some of his bloodwork and some mild GI issues.

Any resources that other parents can recommend? I want to learn more about what we can and shouldn't eat before putting it in place.

I know a lot of people go cassein free too, but I feel as if that will be limiting too much initially. I'd like to try this and maybe put that in place in another month or so.

My DH is delighted not! But at least at home, I think we all need to be on it.

Re: Resources on Gluten Free Diet

are you trying to eliminate both casein and gluten??
If so, I would elimate one first. I think eliminating the casein is easier and then go gluten.
There are tons of resources on the internet, as well as great books from the library.

Re: Resources on Gluten Free Diet

I would like to eliminate gluten, since DS does show some intolerance to it. Cassein he did not, and in his case, I think it might be easier to eliminate gluten oddly enough. He refuses any non-dairy subsitutes and loves his milk, cheese etc., but I am finding he will eat some gluten free products.

Which web resources do you find good and reputable? The books I'm locating, but some of the web resources are a little harder to sort out.

Message edited 1/30/2012 11:50:06 AM.

Re: Resources on Gluten Free Diet

Gluten Free can be manageable if your ds is not picky on 'texture'. A lot of the gluten free products use gritty type flour. However, we use the gluten free maple grove's waffle mix, and although the waffle is very dense it's not gritty. We then use the waffle for bread, by slicing it half and then using it for sandwiches (especially grilled cheese). You can make pancakes as well.

Glutino products are pretty decent, definitely the pretzels. You can find glutino in just about every big supermarket.

Gorilla Munch is a cereal all my kids like except my dd who we try to keep away from gluten lol.

If your ds likes meats and eggs those are great to eat more of without the "bread". Hotdog or hamburgers, or meatballs (with the gluten free breadcrumbs). My dd does not like pasta products but once again if you experiment enough you might find one that is decent.

I also recommend for a quick chicken meal, the bell and evans gluten free chicken nuggets/chicken tenders. You of course can make your own with the type of flour you find works best (tapioca, rice etc)

I also buy gluten free pizza dough frozen slices (not the dough itself), and put my own sauce and cheese on it for pizza. I cook it longer than what it asks for because otherwise it's "mushy" and 'gritty".

Elisabeth Hasselbeck just came out with a new cookbook. And I am sure there are some great gluten free blogs out there.

Another thing to consider when you are out and perhaps can't control the gluten intake, using an enzyme that helps break it down can help the digestion.

Re: Resources on Gluten Free Diet

does your son have issues with soy??
My son does, and many gluten free products have soy.

cookies...I buy the Orgran animal cookies. They make vanilla and chocolate.
They are gluten free, soy free casien free, and nut free, and are NOT bad.

Re: Resources on Gluten Free Diet

Thanks for the ideas! No, he doesn't have problems with soy as far as we know, but if we have a choice, I'll avoid it.

I was just reading that most canola oils, etc. have gluten. Sigh this will be harder than I thought!