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.
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