Melting an Old Frost Moon

So you’ve just been told to cut gluten or dairy out of your diet... Commence intense bread/pizza cravings and general food related depression. As someone who has personally had to go through cutting both out, here are a few tips for getting yourself started.

Cut your problem foods out slowly. I wish someone had encouraged me to do this! The day my Dietician told me I could no longer eat gluten and dairy I went completely cold turkey and cut out everything instantly. I then became fixated with what I couldn’t eat and lost my appetite completely. Aim to cut all the gluten and dairy out within two weeks, give each food a little ‘funeral’ and enjoy that final taste!

Focus on the positives. Just because you’re going to have to make some changes to your diet does not mean your relationship with food is over. There is so much available now in supermarkets for those of us who are gluten and dairy free. From gluten/dairy free biscuits, to frozen pizzas and even ice cream! Don’t fixate on what you’re missing out on, go look in supermarkets and find those alternatives.

Make some of your own food. There’s lots available in supermarkets now that will fit you’re new diet but the products do come with a fairly expensive price tag. So why not have a crack at making your own sauces for your meals or making your own biscuits? It’s surprisingly simple to do once you have a few key ingredients in your cupboard it will prove to be much more cost effective. There are so many great gluten/dairy free recipes online for you to use.

Do your research. Just because you have to follow a new diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy meals out with your friends. Most restaurants have their menus available online so always have a little look and make sure there’s something that you can eat. If in doubt, call up the restaurant and ask them, you’d be surprised at how many of them have their own gluten free menus or are willing to make alterations to dishes to accommodate you.

Communicate. Always make sure you communicate your new dietary requirements clearly to people taking your orders or anyone cooking for you. If you’re feeling uncomfortable or anxious about going out for dinner somewhere with your friends that you know doesn’t have a lot of options for you make sure you say. If you’re feeling down about your new diet try and talk about them with your friends, you’ll be surprised at how many other people are going through the same thing. 

The first few weeks are tough, but soon it becomes second nature and the cravings for those forbidden foods completely stop.