Let's start this off by saying one thing: Whatever your reason for being gluten-free, you are welcome here. Mine is not to judge. Mine is to help, through blog & cookbook (have a copy? what are you waiting for?). And if anyone in your life doesn't support your gluten-free-ness, that's their agenda at work. Not yours.
Except, maybe I might judge #10 just a wee little bit.
1. You have celiac disease.
2. Your loved one is gluten-free. Solidarity!
3. You have or your child has an autism spectrum disorder.
4. You just feel better since you cut out gluten.
5. No one should eat gluten. Cavemen didn't eat it!
6. You went to a naturopath who told you, cut out the gluten and your health problems would go away.
7. You have another auto-immune disease, like Crohn's Disease, that responds well to a diet free of gluten (among other things).
8. You're allergic to wheat.
9. You have had fertility problems.
10. Because Gwyneth Paltrow is gluten-free.
Why are you gluten-free?
Love,
Me
P.S. Whatever your reason, My Cookbook would be a big help. Pick up a copy!
Anne says
#2 and #11 (which isn’t on your list, but I’m calling it “Other”). My husband is gluten-sensitive (#2), and while I was off gluten with him for the first month, the acne I’ve had since I was a teen (about 25 years!) cleared up! I’ve read that many scientists say there’s not a direct connection with gluten and acne problems, but my experience says otherwise. When I’ve cheated, the acne flares up again, so if it’s not gluten that’s causing it, I don’t know what the coincidence is!
Nicole says
We decided to try going GF this winter. My husband and youngest daughter have IBS. My daughter had been having increasingly frequent attacks of pain. She’d be doubled over-it was awful. My husband said the same thing would happen to him when he was a kid. The blood tests for CD were negative, but cutting out wheat seemed worth a try. They both say they’ve never felt better. My daughter has had only 2 attacks in 6 months. She says she’ll never go back. At 13 it’s kind of hard but she knows what she can and can’t eat and is very responsible. People around us have been very supportive.
Trina says
#6 and #7. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Hashimotos three years ago.
Kristi says
# 2, my sweet boy has Celiac.
Holly says
I’m a #4. I started having tummy troubles a few years back, and could never decide what caused them. Sometimes some foods did, sometimes the same foods didn’t. I had lots of tests, which ended up with a diagnosis of IBS, which is doctor-speak for “we don’t know”, and the usual “you’re just going to have to live with it” attitude. After trying other things on my own, I finally decided to go gluten free, and have been at it for a couple of months now. While I still have a few trigger foods, overall I’m much better, having way fewer bad days. I also feel a helluva lot better in general now than I have for years. I actually have energy, don’t feel somewhat depressed a lot of days, and feel like I can still enjoy good food. I’m glad to have found your blog!
Nicole says
It galls me, Holly, that “IBS” is even considered a diagnosis. It’s a doctor’s cop out, pure and simple. Good for you for taking matters of health into your own hands. I’m glad you found my blog, too!
xoxo Nicole
Steve Davis says
I had the same problems with my dr, so I went G Free on my own!!
Kristi says
IBS: I Be Stumped
Daisy says
I had multiple doctors tell me IBS, and spent 15 years not eating seeds, nuts, popcorn, etc. (but eating toast and crackers to combat my nausea and vomiting, yeah, that helped!). Of course, no gastroenterologist ever tested me for celiac or allergies/sensitivity to wheat. Finally, when it got unbearable (lost 10 pounds in a month because I could not keep anything down), I kept a food diary and self diagnosed-the night I ate homemade wheat bread with extra wheat gluten (!), I thought I was going to have to go to the emergency room, the pain was so bad. I finally saw a specialist who knew just from my medical records that it must be wheat/gluten-one quote that a previous doctor wrote down was that I had stomach pain after drinking beer but not wine. Apparently, he didn’t make the connection. Anyway, I feel 100% better 18 months gluten free, and I have never intentionally cheated, because the pain was too bad. Also, no more vertigo or hives, which I never connected to the stomach issues until they disappeared.
Patti says
Me too on the IBS. Received that lovely diagnosis like 20 years ago. Wow. Anyway, got really sick last year & it lasted for months. Started getting migraines, extremely lethargic and just plain yuk. Numerous tests run with various docs & specialists. Everything came back negative. Daughter said, “Mom, try changing your diet. Cut out gluten.” Felt better in just a few days. It took a month or longer for the “fuzzy head” feeling to go away, but it did and has not returned. Now feel better than I ever have!
I have had people tell me that maybe I could start start eating gluten again and I would be ok. NO. NO. And again NO. Why would I go back? This diet works for me. Funny thing is, hubby has joined me. He swore he could never give up his bread, but he has because it is never around. He doesn’t seem to miss it. I cook/bake some pretty darn good things. Much of it thanks to you Nicole!
Nicoly says
I went gluten free a year and half ago with the (shocking) diagnosis of Celiac disease. I say shocking because I didn’t fit the Celiac bill so to speak. Instead of being underweight and malnourished, I was overweight and malnourished. I thought going off gluten would solve my weight problem. Wrong, I actually find it extremely difficult to lose weight. My numbers were off the charts and consequently I am severely sensitive. Cross contamination is the death of me. I’ve had both my kids tested and so far they are negative and asymptomatic so my family is only partially GF. It is hard to enforce with kids if you don’t have to. I’ve considered taking them off of gluten entirely but worry that their system will get used to it and then if they consume any they will start getting sick and it is so hard to monitor their food intake at school etc. I’m hoping that being on an extremely reduced gluten diet will stave away that Celiac gene. I still bake for special occasions to rave review of my NON gluten free friends and family. Made Nicole’s banana bread last night for my family and it is already gone. I’m curious what other people’s symptoms are when “glutened”…I’m finally starting to notice a pattern with mine and wondering if it’s normal or unique to me.
Rona says
#4. Nothing’s been diagnosed, but I found dropping gluten REALLY helped my intestines function better. Now if I could just drop stress too!
Lindsay says
I have Tourette’s and have been told that going Gluten-free can reduce tics. My husband and I are going Gluten-free on August 1st (we are currently finishing up all of our Gluten products). I’ve also heard that eliminating Gluten from the diet can help with weight loss, which would benefit both of us.
Steve Davis says
I didn’t set out to lose weight, but since I now read the labels, I have lost weight!!
Ligea says
#’s 1, 4, 6 & 7 (overachiever #2 ;-) ). My hubby is (mostly) a #2. Donna T, I’ve had the same experience when people find out I eat GF – the funny thing is I can’t figure out who would “want” to just go GF. Though Nicole and others make it fantastically delicious and help us overcome the trials and errors of GF living, it’s still way more expensive than using gluten-containing ingredients.
O.R. says
It is expensive but man do I love gluten-free pastries. Ener-G makes the best GF donut holes… and gluten free bagels? Oh man, I could live on them.
Steve Davis says
We decided to go Gluten Free after I attended a taping of The Revolution, that featured Elisabeth Hasselbeck and her experiences with Celiacs Disease. I’m not saying I have Celiacs, however I have experienced many of the symptoms of the disease for years, and so has my Daughter. My wife Liz has Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and I have heard many times, that a Gluten Free Diet may benefit some MS Sufferers. So we, as a couple decided to “Try” it on February 22, 2012. I quoted “Try” because we have, in fact gone almost 100% G Free since we started. To our surprise, we have actually Enjoyed every morsel of what we have made and eaten. Through our experience making Amazing dishes, and the vast resource of the Internet, we feel we are both well on our way to a healthier lifestyle. The Irony of it all, is that we made this Leap to “Restart” our lives 20 years to the day that we took our 1st date!
Emily says
I am GF because I have celiac disease. Was diagnosed 6.5 years ago. Felt better within one week – would never go back! (Even though some days, I really want to give in to a craving.)
I have also had infertility problems (PCOS)…we tried for the past 2 years to get pregnant and FINALLY are expecting our 1st baby (due mid-February 2013). Hooray! It’s never been said that there’s a connection (for me) between celiac disease and infertility, but I suspect there is some sort of connection. We even tried some medications to no avail – and finally just got the surprise of our lives about 7 weeks ago!
Nicoly says
Emily,
I was diagnosed with PCOS 8 years ago and then Celiac 1 1/2 years ago. I had 1 miscarriage before my son was conceived and another in the year before I was diagnosed with Celiac (at 12 weeks – the baby just quit growing) I know there is a link between the two. Congrats on your pregnancy! You will love being a Mama!
Nicole says
Oh, wow, congratulations, Emily!!! I’m so excited for you! There is a well-documented connection between celiac disease and infertility. I can’t believe your doctor never mentioned that to you. No mind, though. You’re on your way! I’m truly thrilled for you. What an exciting time.
xoxo Nicole
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
I’m gluten free because I have chronic Lyme Disease and I just feel better off of it! It’s really amazing what a single change like cutting out something from your diet can do for you :)
Nicole says
So interesting, Kayla. Glad you’re feeling well!
xoxo Nicole
Stephanie says
#2. I am not 100% gluten-free myself, but since it’s just me and the husband (who is celiac), I’m not going to cook two different meals. That would be insane. Love your cookbook, it’s making a baker out of this non-baker. Haven’t done much lately cuz down here in Texas turning on the oven in the summer months is asking for your skin to melt off. But we’ve loved the popovers, tortillas, and buttermilk biscuits. Delicious!
Nicole says
Oh, Texas, that hot hot state. I don’t blame you, Stephanie, for not wanting to turn on your oven. Thank you so much for your support in buying the cookbook. It really means a lot to me. You’re a baker! I think it’s crazy to make separate meals, too, and one of my goals is for people to realize that, if they’re doing that because of cost, they shouldn’t have to. Cheers!
xoxo Nicole
O.R. says
I first considered dropping gluten when I heard about the neurological side effects of a gluten allergy- like depression, anxiety, and “causeless rages”. I’ve also had two miscarriages- and I’m only 28, with no history of fertility problems in the family (my mother/sisters never had problems.) I’m so glad I found your website because I am going to be doing gluten free on a shoestring at a time when I haven’t been able to afford my own food for over a year. I hope it can help me as I undertake what looks like an expensive journey… at least until i figure out how to make my own rice flour. :)
Nicole says
I’m glad you found me, too, O.R. Even though it seems counter-intuitive, buy an all-purpose gluten-free flour in bulk if you can set aside the cash. It’s much, much cheaper that way.
xoxo Nicole
Fatcat says
Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and basically feeling like crap — all my joints hurting, headaches every single day …
It’s all gone now!
Gluten free forever.
Toni says
1, 2, and 7. Totally gluten free for a year and a half. Tummy feels MUCH better and psoriasis is almost gone. My 11 year old doesn’t have nearly so many migraines. There is a huge difference between having to be gluten free ( to not find yourself curled up in a ball on the bathroom floor, in so much pain that dying seems like a good option) and choosing to, because it seems to be the diet fad of the week. Will you still be eating this way 10 years from now? Some of us will be…
Angel says
We all eat GF at home because our son has celiac. Easiest not to have gluten in the house!
Tammy says
Diddo that! Us too.
Laura says
I am GF because of #2 and #1. In that order! My son was Dx’d and I would do anything to keep him healthy. My having Celiac is secondary to that.
Niki says
I was diagnosed when I was 2 but wasn’t fully GF until about a year before my kids were diagnosed (3 daughters celiac, 1 son still testing negative). After that, our whole household went GF & we never looked back! So for me, #2 & #1, also, because if I hadn’t gotten serious about being GF, my girls may have gone undiagnosed for a long time. They were all under 7 yrs old when we found out.
Jennifer S. says
I am gluten free because I have auto-immune issues (essentially my body is attacking my thyroid) and a natropath clinician told me going gluten free is the whole way to get healthy.
Auto-immune issues run rampant in my family – thyroid disease, arthiritis, fibromalaygia(sp)….. so I figured – nothing else has worked. NOTHING. So I’m giving gluten free a shot. Still working out the kinks but your cookbook and blog have been an inspiration and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for it!
Now if I can just find some yummy GF bread that doesn’t have tons of fat and carbs and with more fiber, I’ll be beyond the moon!
Jessica says
We are mostly gluten free because of a sensitivity my 2 year old has. He is fine if he occasionally has it at grandma’s house, but if I get lazy and he has it more than a couple days in a row his excema gets worse, he gets cranky, and he doesn’t sleep well.
Nicole I have a question about your breads in your cookbook. I cannot get them to turn out. :( They are always really crusty, like barely cutable with a knife crusty and gummy/ undercooked on the bottom.
I’m using 123 Gluten Free all-purpose flour, oven is right on temp., proofing is goiing great. I just switched from a 9×5 pan to a 7.5×3.5 magic line pan to try to help deflating and help cook better, but they were still not cooked after 55 minutes. (The recipe made two loaves that size instead of one.) I proofed in the microwave. (I love this trick!! I grew up making homemade breads with my grandparents and wish I could have told my grandpa about this before he passed. Best ever!! Just like our “proofer” at Subway we own! Thank you!!)
Sorry so long. Any help would be appreciated, I’m about to give up and go back to wheat flour for bread for our once or twice a week sandwiches.
Jessica
Anneke says
Hi Jessica — I’m going to jump in here and suggest that it is your flour. I tried lots of bread recipes (including Nicole’s) with other flours, and they did not work until I started using Jules Flour, and then Better Batter. I use Better Batter for everything now, and Jules as my back-up. Please don’t give up! The recipes will work with the right flour, and a little bit of patience! Good Luck!
Anneke
Kristi says
I am with Anneke. Do you have an oven thermometer? Your oven may be too hot. Also the inside of you bread should be 205-210 F for it to be cooked through. I also use Better Batter and my bread turns out GREAT. It also turns out great with C4C but I would need a second job to pay for C4C regularly. Now I just hack it with Nicoles Mock C4C mix. Hang in there and order some BB!
Michelle says
I agree with them, I tried all sorts of flours with horrible results. I found a store locally that sold better batter and tried it along with her cookbook that I won through a giveaway and I couldn’t be happier! I really was at the end of my ropes trying to make Good Gluten Free Food, her cookbook and Better Batter have made life so less stressful! I use Better Batter for almost everything now! Good Luck!
Jessica says
Thank you!
That is what I was thinking. (the flour) I have an oven thermometer so I know that is good. I will check internal temp. next time.
Thank ypu again!
Karen says
I have good luck with Gratefully Gluten Free Flour.
Jessica says
Where do you find it?
I can’t seem too.
I just ordered better batter but would like to look into Gratefully Gluten free.
Karen says
I get it at Country Nutrition in Greenwood, Indiana but I think the company does mail order too. Here is an email address. glutenfree@gratefullygf.com
Janine says
Love your blog…and getting your book for my bday. I am gluten free because of #1. Since October we have found out that I have celiac, my two sons have celiac, my daughter’s tests were inconclusive, my husband is likely gluten sensitive. I’ve been spending a small fortune feeding three teens gluten free, which is where your blog is helping a lot!
Anneke says
#1, #2, #6 and #7, because I am an over-achiever!
Apa says
I’m closest to #4, I suppose! I had a bout with salmonella two years ago and after I recovered, I still felt awful for the better part of a year. After finally going to the doctor and getting tested for celiac, we determined I didn’t have that, but I have the non-celiac gluten sensitivity. So, no more gluten for me. Which was a little devastating at the time, as I love love love to bake. It’s been almost eight months and I’ve mostly stopped cheating. I just found your site recently and I’m really looking forward to trying some of the recipes here (and from your cookbook, it is mine next payday)!
Andrea says
#6! Naturopath told me to stay away from that stuff because I have a thyroid disorder (soy, too). I’m still new to this… haven’t yet worked up the energy to try any of your baking recipes but I will soon enough.
Margaret says
Hi Andrea:
My acupuncturist recommended I cut out gluten for me and my son for our various issues and I will tell you that baking Nicole’s recipe’s take me less energy than baking what I used to bake! I really mean it and…my kids love it. My GF son is now not left out at parties since we bring cookies along as they eat the big gluten filled cake. I also can now make pizza, thanks to Gluten Free on a Shoe String (GFOASS) and it tastes great. Trust me, if it took more work, I just would end up at Whole Foods over paying for the sawdust they call GF. Please mail order the Better Batter flour, please try Nicole’s simplest recipes and be stunned into happiness. Cheers.
Donna T says
I had a clerk in a grocery store ask me if I was gluten free because I HAVE to or if I WANT to. Interesting perspective.