Wheat Allergy

A week ago I was diagnosed with a wheat allergy. I had been suspecting gluten but did not expect to have such a strong reaction to the wheat allergy test. I am still in shock and disbelief. Eating wheat-free in western culture is a challenge. Wheat is in many foods - some that I would never expect to find wheat or wheat parts. Right now I am totally avoiding breads & pastas and once I get wheat-free otherwise, I will explore the world of non-wheat flour.

I am learning that besides the obvious flour, cous cous, noodles, cereals, crackers, and gravies, many foods have or may have wheat including soy sauce, honey-roasted peanuts, soups / chili, licorice, and fake crab meat. I have heard root beer is bad for wheat allergies but I don't see any wheat ingredients. I definitely have to read the ingredient list of everything I purchase now.

I am relying heavily on corn & rice flour based items and nuts to fill the wheat hole in my diet. I am eating more Mexican cuisine lately and doing basic meals of grilled meat (my husband LOVES to grill), veggies (roasted/steamed), and rice or potatoes. My husband has diabetes so he can't eat much of the foods made with corn, rice, or potatoes. We may be having separate side dishes and not always overlap our eating habits. I have not meal planned much in the past but may have to get into the habit of it.

Gluten-free is not the same as wheat-free. It is amazing how many people - in restaurants - don't know this. Some think if an item is gluten-free, it is wheat-free. Not necessarily true.

Although I avoid fast food as much as possible, I was curious about their ingredients. I was surprised to find that McDonald's has wheat in their fries and grilled chicken (Burger King and Wendy's do not).

The silver lining is I am conscious of every food I put into my body and am no longer eating some of the less healthy foods (i.e., breaded/fried items). There are still plenty of wheat-free junk food items unfortunately.