Food is emotional. Here's how you can overcome the emotional obstacles of
going gluten-free. For starters, finding joy in the little victories as you set
daily and weekly goals. Start small as you rebuild your relationship with food.
Many have described losing gluten from their lives as emotionally trying and
life-altering, similar to the feeling of losing a person from their lives. The
5 stages of grief described by psychiatrist Elizabeth Krüber-Ross's book On
Death and Dying has shown to be universal with regards to the experience of
loss—friend, family member, or food—and understanding and accepting each stage
that a newly diagnosed individual may experience.
STAGE 1 | DENIAL
"No, I've been eating sandwiches for lunch every day since I was 5.
I'm sure it's not the bread making sick. Pretty sure my Dr screwed up."
Yup, a classic case of denial. Often people will pull away friends and family
at this stage, preferring to t alone so as not to feel judged or criticized.
STAGE 2 | ANGER
"This is ridiculous; can she ask me how gluten-free I am. This
wouldn't be a problem if I said nut-free. They should have to educate themselves
more before being able to work here." At this stage, the person can't
understand how everyone else doesn't understand and offer more for others, who
like them, are living with a gluten intolerance. It's frustrating. This stage
is risky, and important to observe carefully. Some newly diagnosed people
experiencing this stage may choose lose interest in food, and begin choosing
indulgence over nutrition.
STAGE 3 | BARGAINING
"It's my birthday, and one day of gluten won't kill me. I'll be good
tomorrow." This is a dangerous stage that can easily develop into an
unhealthy habit. Bargaining is not mentally or physically healthy for you. This
is the stage where it's especially helpful to ask friends to hold you
accountable, and to support you on your journey to success. New-. habits are
hard to form, but can be fun if turned into a flavorful adventure with friends.
STAGE 4 | DEPRESSION
Kübler-Ross described that within this stage, individuals may seem
disconnected from others, or uncharacteristically quiet. It's tempting to
smother them with attention. It's important to note that not everyone needs the
same thing when grieving. If you're experiencing this stage personally, it may
be helpful to let those in your life know that you're feeling a sense of loss
over an old part of your life, and how you would appreciate them to help you
through this. Share specific examples with them. Don't be afraid to ask, they
love you and just need help in understanding how to best show that to you. If
you are witnessing someone going through this, let them know that you care
about them and want to support them in a way that they need most. Be open,
understanding, and observant to best support them through this difficult stage.
STAGE 5 | ACCEPTANCE
The person has developed new habits, found foods they love,
and are enjoying their newfound gluten-free diet. More importantly, they have
found the joy associated with feeling better now that they have fully
incorporated a gluten-free diet into their lives.
