How do I start a GF/CF diet?

[BusyLizzie100]

Hi folks.

I've read Luke Jackson's book, but I think now I need more detail on how to actually implement a diet, if I'm going to go through with it. My kids are notoriously bad eaters - issues of texture, smell, taste etc - so I need a battleplan if we're going to do it.

Also, does anyone know anything on how to get stuff on prescription?

I find it all a bit scary - I've been putting it off for a year now!

 

Lizzie

[big mamma]

Hi Busy Lizzie,

 

A very good book is 'Dietary Intervention and Autism ' by Marilyn Le Breton which is very easy to read and has some easy recipes as well !

 

Good luck.

[call me jaded]

Yes Marilyn's book is brilliant for getting started.

 

I, too, waited over a year before starting. I wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but I think that was because I was determined to do it for three weeks no matter what. Once you get over the first week's shop (glass of Pinot lined up on your return) it's not bad at all.

 

When you start getting positive results it's just the best!

[Guest hallyscomet]

Hi

Do you have to make everything from scratch or can you buy bread etc from the shops. Any shops that specialise in GF/CF foods

 

Hailey

[big mamma]

Hi there,

 

You can buy ready prepared bread although it's only tasty when toasted really from Free From range in Tesco, Sainsbury's etc - I am using Dietary Specials MultiGrain. If you type gluten free / casein free foods into your search engine it show throw up quite a lot of specialist suppliers where you can purchase stuff over the internet. I have found a very good site for treats and sweets at Dietary Needs Direct. Hopefully someone else will come along with more info as I have just started on this route and am still an apprentice !!

[natasha778]

Hi, I have found the following websites very, very helpful:

 

http://www.autismndi.com/ - more general information on the diet, theory and sience behind it...

 

www.gfcfdiet.com - this one is a must- it is a practical guide, has a list of foods, loads of receipes, tips etc..

 

 

Unfortunately both of the above are USA based, so list only their suppliers etc. Over here, Holland and Barrett and large Tesco stores have good supply of gluten-free versions. Smaller health-food shops are even better, as they stock things like millett and buckwheat flakes (great for breakfast) or buckwheat flour (pancakes).

 

I have recently put my son on Specific Carbohydrate Diet (with FANTASTIC results so far - it is gluten free in itself, and I have not yet added any dairy product that are usually allowed on this diet, as it wasn't originally designed for autistic kids) and I am still locating best suppliers/prices - no grains are allowed on this diet, all the baked goods are made using ground nuts, so it is quite pricey to start with. But there are ways around it, I have just came accross a wholesale supplier who is willing to supply small quantities to private individuals (as a favour!) If anyone is interested I will pass on their contact.

 

Good luck!

[natasha778]

Just another quick note:

 

it is much simpler (really!) and cheaper to bake your own breads, whether you do only gfcf version or go full grain-free. The shop products are usually overpriced and often full of additives, starches etc. There are lots of receipes on the internet - see my previous email for some starting websites.

 

Another useful thing - you can hear some doctors and scientist, as well as creators of the diet speak at the DAN =Defeat Autism Now Conference that was held in April this year. The video clips are downloadable free of charge, you only need to register for a password at www.danwebcast.com

 

One of the presentations is by Elaine Gottschall, co-creator of SCD - do have a look, I think this woman is a genius, the importance of her work will be recognised in the years to come.

[call me jaded]

Actually I find it much much simpler not to have bread at all.

[call me jaded]

I think Elaine Gottshall passed away quite recently (she was in her eighties). Her story is quite remarkable.