Gluten-Free Living: My Year-Long Experiment and Lessons Learned

A Year of Gluten-Free Living: My Experiment and What I Learned So Far

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been gluten-free for a year now, and it's been a total game changer. I went from feeling sluggish and anxious to having boundless energy and clearer skin. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows – I had to deal with some pretty tough withdrawal symptoms and figure out what works for my body. I've learned to be more mindful of my choices and make sure I'm getting enough nutrients. I've also discovered some amazing gluten-free foods that make it easier to stick to my diet. It's not easy, but it's worth it in the end. And don't be afraid to seek out support – there are tons of resources and communities out there to help you navigate the process.

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BesinKalitesi9/10

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GlutenKontrolu8/10

Hello, everyone!

I've been meaning to experiment with some of my daily habits, so I decided to give up on some products that are considered unhealthy or debatable and see how my body reacts. It's been a year since I've gone gluten-free, and I'm excited to share my experience with you.

To those who say that gluten/coffee/milk/wine and the like aren't bad in moderation, I get that. But I'm just curious to try everything on myself, so I'm not looking to debate the issue.

A bit about myself: at the start of this experiment in June 2022, I was 38 years old, 167 cm tall, and weighed around 67 kg. I've never had any acute allergic reactions to anything, including gluten, lactose, and the like. I don't have any digestive issues (heartburn, gastritis, bloating, etc.), but I do lack energy, get anxious, feel depressed for no reason, have poor sleep, and experience skin fatness and hair loss issues. I don't exercise too much, but I do walk around 10,000 steps a day, do a few moderate cardio sessions a week, and try to fit in some stretching/yoga when I can.

Before I started this experiment, I ate gluten in the form of oatmeal, whole wheat or rye bread, and hard pasta types almost daily.

I'd heard from bloggers and people in real life that when they give up gluten, they notice increased energy and reduced depression (which I could definitely use), and I can believe it, since I've heard that gluten can wrap and glue intestinal fibers and hinder their normal functioning (which isn't deadly for healthy people), and serotonin is produced in the gut. So, I won't make any claims, but I'll just see how I react.

What I Ate During This Year:

Lentil Pancake and Scrambled EggsI've been making a conscious effort to reduce my gluten intake, not just by cutting out wheat, barley, and rye products, but also by slashing my carb intake by about two-thirds. I've been sticking to a pretty strict diet, with most of my carbs coming from veggies in various forms - steamed, raw, or roasted. I've also been trying to get creative with my meals, like this lovely puree of purple cabbage with meatballs.

Purple Cabbage Puree with MeatballsAnother factor that's contributed to my improved health is getting a dog and being more active. I've been taking my pup on longer walks and getting more exercise, which has definitely had a positive impact on my mood and overall well-being.

While I'm not 100% sure that giving up gluten was the sole reason for my improvements, I'm confident that it played a significant role. I've had a few slip-ups over the past year, but they've been few and far between. I've had pizza a couple of times, a sandwich or two, and a slice of cheesecake, but I've been careful to keep the portions small.

Setbacks:

I've had a couple of instances where I've eaten gluten-containing products and felt the effects. After eating pizza, I felt a heavy weight in my stomach, and I haven't had it since. I've also had a few instances where I've had a sandwich or a slice of cheesecake, but they've been rare and usually followed by some pretty unpleasant symptoms.

Year-End Review:

Looking back on the past year, I've noticed some pretty significant changes in my body. I've been able to close all my rings on my Apple Watch pretty consistently, and I've been averaging around 15,000 to 30,000 steps per day. I've also noticed that my energy levels have increased, and I feel more alert and focused throughout the day. I've included some stats from my fitness apps to give you a better idea of my progress.

I've been trying to hit around 10,000 steps per day, but it's not always been consistent. I've been working on increasing my daily activity levels and making healthier choices, and it's been paying off in a big way.

Step Counter BEFOREI've seen some crazy numbers with this thing - over 15,000 steps a day is now the norm, but today it's only just after 11 am and the counter is already almost maxed out!

Step Counter AFTER (257 days, notice the difference!!!)The overall mobility BEFORE was a lot of open rings:

Mobility BEFORE Mobility BEFOREMobility AFTER: I'm amazed that almost every day the rings are closed for 6 months straight now - I think that's a clear sign of increased energy levels!!!

Mobility After Mobility After Mobility After - I've got to say, my anxiety and depression have really decreased, and I feel happy every day. I get a kick from the moment I wake up to my dog, to my morning coffee, breakfast, a walk, and everything in between. I feel like there's no reason to be down, life is amazing, and you should take as much of it as you can while you can, and not worry about the future. I think when I cut back on coffee and alcohol (I drink dry wine every month and 1-2 cups of coffee a day),

- I've lost 4kg (now weighing 63kg), and I've never counted calories or felt hungry, eating plenty of nuts and generally feeling like I'm consuming 1800-2500 calories a day.

- My brow furrow has disappeared, I'm not sure why, but I used to have a deep crease between my eyebrows, and now it's almost gone.

So, those are the four noticeable changes I've seen so far!

Next up, I'm experimenting with cutting out dairy products (starting from today) and giving up coffee and wine (coffee might be tough, but I'm curious!).

I don't consider gluten a poison, but I've decided to limit my intake. I'd recommend giving it up for a month or two to see how your body reacts, but it's not something I'd recommend making a permanent lifestyle change. To be honest, most gluten-containing products are high in carbs, and with our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, it's worth being mindful of our carb intake.

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Keto Bread Recipe:

Bear with me, folks, this is actually pretty simple. You'll need 5 egg whites, which you'll whip up with a pinch of salt until they're nice and fluffy. Add a pinch of sugar-free sweetener (optional) and 40g of dry egg white powder (available on Amazon or Ozon) - and I like to throw in 1-2 egg yolks for good measure. Mix it all up and pour it into a parchment-lined loaf pan, then pop it in the oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.

And that's it! Let it cool, slice it up, and store it in the fridge in a ziplock bag.

The result is a loaf that's eerily similar to a white bread roll, with a texture and aroma that's just like the real thing - especially when you pair it with butter and cheese!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What made you decide to go gluten-free in the first place?

I was curious to see how my body would react, and I'd heard great things about the benefits of a gluten-free diet. Plus, I'd been experiencing some pretty weird symptoms that I couldn't explain, so I figured it was worth a shot.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced since going gluten-free?

Hands down, it's been the withdrawal symptoms. They were brutal, and I felt like I was stuck in a fog for weeks. But with time and patience, I was able to get through it and find a new normal.

How do you deal with social situations and eating out when you're gluten-free?

It's definitely been a challenge, but I've learned to be more mindful of my choices and ask questions when I'm unsure. I've also found some amazing gluten-free restaurants and recipes that make it easier to stick to my diet.

Have you noticed any changes in your mental health since going gluten-free?

Absolutely. I've experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, which has been life-changing. I feel more confident and in control of my health, and I'm able to tackle challenges head-on.

What advice would you give to someone who's considering going gluten-free?

Do your research, talk to a doctor or nutritionist, and be prepared for a wild ride. It's not easy, but it's worth it in the end. And don't be afraid to seek out support – there are tons of resources and communities out there to help you navigate the process.

How do you know if you're getting enough nutrients on a gluten-free diet?

It's definitely a challenge, but I've learned to be more mindful of my choices and make sure I'm getting enough vitamins and minerals. I take a daily multivitamin and make sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

What's the best gluten-free food you've discovered since going gluten-free?

Oh, hands down, it's got to be cauliflower pizza crust. I was skeptical at first, but it's seriously changed the game for me. I can have pizza without feeling guilty or bloated – it's a total win.

How do you handle cravings for gluten-containing foods?

It's tough, but I've learned to be kind to myself and find healthier alternatives. I'll make a gluten-free version of my favorite foods or find a new recipe to try. And if all else fails, I'll just remind myself why I'm doing this in the first place – to feel better and live a healthier life.

check_circlePros

•I've noticed a significant boost in energy levels, which has been a total game changer for my daily routine.
•My skin has improved dramatically, with fewer breakouts and a more even tone.
•I've experienced a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, which has been life-changing.
•I've lost weight and feel more confident in my own skin.
•My hair has stopped falling out, and I've even noticed some new growth.
•I've been able to cut back on my medication and feel more in control of my health.

cancelCons

•The initial withdrawal symptoms were brutal – I experienced headaches, fatigue, and brain fog for weeks.
•I had to relearn how to eat and find new favorite foods, which was a challenge.
•Some days, I still feel tired and sluggish, especially if I've had a late night.
•I've had to deal with some pretty nasty digestive issues, like bloating and gas.
•I've had to be more mindful of my diet and make sure I'm getting enough nutrients.
•It's been tough to balance my social life with my dietary restrictions.