I cannot lose weight even though I eat only whole grains, legumes and veggies. I am wondering if I have a gluten intolerance because whenever I have any grain (except quinoa) I feel horrible. I don't have health insurance and a home test kit is out of my price range. Has anyone gone gluten free? Is it easy? Does it help with weight loss and an overall feeling of better health? Thanks!

You could try and elimination died but if all grains but quinoa do it (including millet, rice, etc.), then it doesn't sound like a red flag for gluten since the majority of grains don't have it. An elimination diet will have you eating basic until you figure out what's making your body so unhappy. If you do have an intolerance to gluten, avoiding it will certainly make you feel better but the jury is still out if it helps those without intolerance. Some say yes, some say no, some say cutting down is more than fine. I'm not a big gluten eater and never notice when I have it or not so for me it isn't an issue. Avoiding it for a few days doesn't help with weight loss or feeling good. I just feel the same. 

When I was having trouble losing weight vegan, I took a look at what I was doing and intaking. I tracked food using Sparkpeople to make sure i was getting all my nutritional needs (and not more than what I need!). I always really took a look at working out. Was I doing it? Probably not enough!

Good luck! 

The only grains with gluten are wheat, rye, and barley, and all of the things derived from these three things.  If you go to celiac.com it will give you a complete list of all safe/unsafe foods for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

I have been eating wheat berries, farro and bulgar wheat and a lot of tabouli (I'm addicted) and it was causing problems. Also, when I eat bread or any kind of wrap like lavish or tortilla I feel dreadful. I went to Whole Foods today and stocked up on gluten free foods so I am going to start limiting it and see what helps. 

I eat 1,200-1,300 calories a day and I do High intensity interval training 5 times a week. I only drink water and I don't consume sugar (only from fruit) so I really don't know how I can improve on my diet or workouts. By the way I feel something is wrong internally and since I don't have health insurance I have to figure it out on my own. 

Thanks for the help ladies! Have a wonderful day.

I figured out that I am gluten intollerant by process of elimination.  For one year, I did not eat anything that contained gluten (now I know that 2 months is enough).  Then I ate 2 big pieces of bread - and got sick as a dog!! I went to my doctor and told him.  He took an armful of blood, tested me for everything under the sun, and informed me that I do indeed have celiac disease.  This is worth a shot.

But, I feel that I must tell you that gluten-free diet is not a weight loss diet.  It's a save your life diet.  Meaning, those who follow it do so because their health is in dire peril if they do not.  So, if you must eliminate gluten, do so for all the right reasons.

And, be totally delighted with whatever it is you weigh.  Because you are eating as healthy as you possibly can, getting a sufficient amount of exercise and ARE A PHENOMENAL PERSON!!  You're weight is just one tiny aspect of who you are, and part of the total package.  Don't fixate on minutia, ladies.  :D  We're gorgeous outwardly from our souls.  Let it shine!

I was feeling really bad for a while, and couldn't figure out why.  I knew certain new grains that I tried were causing me stomach issues, but then I started feeling sporadic weight gain.  I was training for a marathon, so gaining weight at that particular time was odd for me.

I then realized that I was eating a lot of pasta and breads during this time of training, because I was constantly hungry and craving them.  When the marathon was over, I continued to feel worse.

My stomach issues started to increase, I was beginning to get headaches and bloating.  I went to an Herbalist, and she gave me a few things to try but said, to give up all starch for one week.  Just 7 days.  I did so and realized how great I felt.  Over the next couple months, I began re-introducing foods one at a time.  Sort of elimation diet.  I found Rice/Oats/corn were ok.  But Every bit of wheat that I tried made me feel horrible.

Even a single wrap.  Or just a bite of Hubbies Pasta.  I have't been formally tested, but I know that Wheat does NOT like my  body.  So I have tried to avoid it as much as possible.

Hope you figure out what works/doesn't work for you.

I too noticed that I was bloated and uncomfortable whenever I ate anything with wheat.  I suspected it for a while now but just recently went off of it completely.  When I think back to my much younger days, I knew that I could not drink beer of any kind. I was immediately in pain, terrible heartburn, to the point that you want to vomit to be rid of it.  I realized that I had a problem with some type of grain at that point.  Not eating gluten has helped immensley.

PCRM has the guidelines for an elimination diet.  Also, The Ultra Simple Diet has a fantastic outline for a diet that will help pinpoint food allergies and intolerances.  

I gave up gluten and lost 6 pounds in a week. Then I had a veggie sandwich and I got heartburn and my food felt like it was stuck in my throat and my stomach hurt so bad I wanted to throw up. I thought maybe it was a fluke. So a few days later I tried a roll and 1/2 way through it I had the same feeling. So I am sticking with the gluten free because I hate feeling like that. 

However, after the initial 6 pounds I am stuck at the same weight again. I love what you said MoniDew but when I am doing all the right things and not losing weight it is frustrating and it makes me so discouraged that all I want is to sit in a corner with a pizza and some scotch. 

Terra, I feel sooo much the same.  I have been doing a strict vegan diet for almost 2 months and have lost only 4 pounds......but, I decided that what was going on inside, as well as with all of the animals being abused that I could not eat any other way.  Btw-my blood pressure is fabulous, after a whole 2 yrs with hypertension.  I will take the small victories I guess and worry about weight in a different way.  I was really bummed, but have since made peace with it I guess.  I gave it over to God, and now it has released me.  Wishing you peace and success!!

Terra, Congratulations of figuring out that gluten is a problem for you. It is for me too and I find I'm much happier and healthier without gluten in my life. As far as the weight loss, this might sound counter-intuitive, but you might try shaking up your workouts. HIIT is great, but if that's all you do, your body is probably so well-adapted to it by now that nothing is changing. I would suggest cutting down the cardio to 3 times a week and on the other two days do something like yoga or weight training. Good luck!

...also, remember that weight loss is a slow and gradual process. Give it time and don't get too impatient with yourself.

I definitely recommend going gluten free. For years I was a healthy-eating vegetarian. I loved whole grains, etc. But I was considered obese for my size. I didn't understand why I was overweight. I did yoga a few times a week, ate under my calorie allowance, didn't eat meat, rarely ate junk food, but loved my whole grains and veggie burgers. Not to mention I was always sick. I always had bowel issues, stomach issues, and allergies. One day I happened to mention on facebook that I was always sick and one of my friends said "Maybe you have a gluten intolerance..." So I researched gluten intolerance and Celiac disease. I had almost all the symptoms. One website said to try to eliminate it for atleast two weeks, so I did. I lost 10 lbs those two weeks! I felt so good. Since then I have eaten gluten a few times, and whenever I do really regret it. Good luck! There a lot of great gluten free alternatives in the stores now, they're just usually a bit pricey. Just be careful and read all ingredients in anything you buy. 

Hi Terra, I'm so sorry to hear about your tummy troubles! It really affects your quality of life. I had stomach/intestinal issues all my life. Bloating, diarrhea, pressure, constipation, nausea. After trying everything under the sun and in my own power, I saw an allergist to get the "scratch test." I found out I was intolerant to wheat, oats, avocado, apples, yogurt, grapes (wine-boo!) and coffee (double boo)! 

Sometimes it's foods you wouldn't even imagine that can be causing you pain and upset. I used to eat an apple a day and would gobble guacamole! Since eliminating these foods, not only has my physical discomfort disappeared (except when I cheat and it's never worth it), but also the terrible anxiety that had plagued me sporadically!

I know allergy tests can be $$$, but sometimes it's worth it to feel better. If you don't have the funds, then I think an elimination diet is the next best bet. Also, remember that if you plan on having a blood test for celiac, DO NOT stop eating the gluten offender until after the test. 

ALSO, I have heard that if you are celiac or gluten intolerant, it can cause both weight gain or weight loss. Some theorize that the weight gain is because your body is in survival mode from the trauma and will hang on to the extra weight.