Newly diagnosed Celiac and weight gain.

[LynjWilson]

Hi!  I was diagnosed with celiac disease a year ago this month.  In April of 2013 I was also given the news I was "WAY" post menopausal at 47 years of age.  I stopped the hormone treatments (as they weren't working) and started eating gluten free.  NOW I weigh an uncomfortable 155.8 pounds.  Though I am 5'8" and this weight is not out of step with my age and height.  I would like to know how it would be possible to loose like 10 pounds on the gluten free diet.  What is the best way to measure a healthy weight?  I've never weighed 155.8 pounds in my whole life except for when I was pregnant and once when I had cortisone shots due to injury.

[LynjWilson]

THANK YOU BARB!  I not only eat gluten free but also follow the Low FODMAP diet.  I'm the first one to say to people that gluten free isn't always healthy.   Its a fad right now.  The low FODMAP diet seems to help with the healing of my small intestine.  I don't eat alot still, as my insides are still learning to digest food.  My whole system changed so quickly that I have had to re-learn how to eat.  I get full very quickly.  My protein sources come mostly from chicken, nuts and hard aged cheeses.  I do not eat corn or anything with MSG either... instant stomach upset to those two foods.  I never drink soda, tea, 2 cups of coffee, and water.  No chocolate, and very little refined sugars.  I'm a voracious label reader.  

My greatest concern is trying to get my body to work in harmony again.  When the celiac diagnosis and the postmenopausal diagnosis came down I was floored.  Now everything is happening so quickly its hard to wrap my head around.  

I walk for exercise because I managed to blow out both knees.  (I'm talented like that)    But I am really trying to avoid the damage to my bones.  Because I was so sick and so thin my muscles started to waste away and the doc warned me about osteoporosis especially because of my post menopausal status.   I will maintain my course because it seems like I am on target according to your advice Barb.  I just need to be more patient.    

[Barb135]

Just because you're eating gluten free, doesn't mean you're eating well.

Do you drink sodas?  If so, switch to water; that alone would make a big difference.  Additionally, look at the sugar content of some of the gluten free foods you're eating. There may be way too much; or maybe extra fat, etc.  

As with any diet, you should eat more fresh/frozen veggies than anything else.  When you fix your plate, 1/2 should be veggies, 1/4 a protein, such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, etc and the other 1/4 should be a grain of some type, with a serving of dairy on the side.

Portion sizes are one of the most important factors in any weight loss effort.  If a package contains 4 servings and you eat them all, chances are, you've eaten too much.

Exercise is another factor.  You should aim for 30 minutes of exercise, at least 3 days/week, but better if you can exercise daily.  Walking a yoga are my favorites.