When I was in college, my friend told me about this new thing called a "blog," and asked me to start one for her to read. Not having any idea what to say, I wrote an entry about myself, and then promptly forgot about the whole thing. I'm sure that blog is still hiding out in blogland somewhere. I couldn't even tell you where because I don't remember what I called it. Believe me when I say, no one would have been interested.
On April 18, 2009, I impulsively decided to try eating gluten-free for a day. I barely knew what gluten was at the time, but I'd been hearing that it could alleviate symptoms of IBS. Since I'd always struggled with digestive issues, I decided to give it a try. I'd also been suffering from depression for almost two years at that point, and neither my doctor nor therapy had been of much help. Not knowing that depression and gluten intolerance could be related, I never expected that that one day in April could do anything other than make my stomach hurt less. But on April 19th, I woke up doing something different. Something I hadn't done much of those last couple of years. Smiling. I remember jumping out of bed, getting my boyfriend, and telling him, "I'm in such a good mood!" I didn't even know why; I just was.
That was the day I began this blog. I immediately started googling gluten and depression, searching for clues as to what was going on. Was this a fluke? A coincidence? Could those days of lying on the bed crying have been a reaction to gluten all along? In my search, I came upon Gluten-Free Girl and The Chef and Gluten-Free Goddess, both blogs I quickly realized were famous in the gluten-free world. Fascinated, I read their stories and the comments from their readers. Many of my own issues were reflected back to me. I thought back to my short foray into blogging so long ago. Suddenly, I knew what to write.
The Daily Dietribe was born out of a realization that I had more to share than I knew. I write about my gluten-free journey, and about the ups and downs of living this new lifestyle. But I also write about food as a recovering binge eater, as a weight loss consultant, and as a registered dietitian to be. My goal is to share healthy gluten-free recipes with you, but also to be honest about my relationship with food. It's a love affair really. And like any affair, it is complicated, passionate, sometimes healthy, sometimes obsessive, occasionally irritating, but always a joy.
This is my gluten-free love affair...
8 comments:
I pulled a recipe off your blog awhile ago, but never looked more into your blog. I came back to get the link for that recipe this morning for someone and took some time to read about you and your blog. Oh, by the way, I am in love with your gluten-free granola bars. :) I have made two pans in the past 2 weeks. Is that bad?! I think not! Anyway, I was reading about why you started going gluten-free. I love it because I have the exact same story! Literally, 2-3 days after going gluten-free cold turkey I wanted to just skip through the Target parking lot. The cloud that had been hanging over my head for the past couple years was GONE! The strangest but most amazing feeling. I have been gluten-free since, but never got tested. I am not ready to be on gluten for the tests. Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to following your blog more.
Hi Becca, Thanks for sharing your story too! It is amazing the effect that food has on us, isn't it? By the way, I think the granola bar recipe you're referring to is actually from Linda, The Gluten Free Homemaker. She did a granola bar guest post a while back, so definitely check out her blog if you haven't done so already!
Your blog is great; lovely recipes and great content...so happy to have found you in the blog world as I'm a gluten-free bloggie, too and can't wait to see more of your recipes!
I needed to thanks for this nice read!! I positively having fun with every little bit of it I've you bookmarked to check out new stuff you put up
This is a great story, Iris, especially the connection you made to depression.
That's a revelation that I find particularly encouraging because though i've read about depression as one of the symptoms of Celiac's, I don't recall reading any test cases.
I'm going to contact you directly for further communication.
thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have a similar struggle because of my Colitis (IBD). Recently I've started on a gluten-free, dairy-free diet and it is amazing!
I've just started to blog about it and find it helps with how I experience my disease. I look on the bright side more often now.
I love your blog so far and can't wait to try some recipes.
All the best,
Jessica
I've been low sugar/carb conscious for awhile.....but not gluten free (I was just not ready to give it all up yet). I have been battling depression....and joint pain, brain fog...etc. I constantly do work on eliminating painful emotions...but was just confounded because I was having a lot of trouble staying in a good mood. So, a week ago, after reading Wheat Belly, and how much gluten/wheat can cause real problems...I decided to give it up. When I tell you that I feel great....and not sad...and weepy like before.....I just amazed me....so all this time I was battling depression..........it was the wheat/gluten! I think I have just become the poster girl along with others...for really giving up wheat. Reading this particular post just really clinched this for me. Thank you Iris!
Barbara, I'm so glad you figured out the last key for you! I had no idea gluten could be the cause of my depressed emotional state, but now I always look first to what I'm eating if I'm not feeling right. Best of luck to you and congrats for finally being ready to go gluten-free! It's so worth it!
Post a Comment