MY MOM DECIDED to join me on my wellness journey and became gluten-free several months ago. I decided to ask her how she feels right now compared to before, and to see if she’s noticed any changes (good or bad!) within these past few months.

How long have you been eating gluten-free?

“I started eating gluten-free approximately 6 months ago.”

On a scale of 1-5 (with 1 being ‘worse’ and 5 being ‘better’), how do you feel compared to before going gluten-free?

“It’s hard for me to put a numerical number on it because there’s not a tangible difference in how I feel. I definitely feel better than how I did. If I had to put a number on it, I would probably put a 4.”

What changes have you noticed both physically and mentally?

“Physically, I’ve noticed that I’m less tired throughout the day and that I have more energy. In addition to that, I’ve noticed that my skin texture both on my face and my body is remarkably better.”

Before going gluten-free, how frequently did you consume gluten each day?

“Everyday, very frequently throughout the day.”

What prompted you to eliminate gluten from your diet?

“Various things prompted me. One is that I’ve always thought of my self as a ‘tired person’, and while I was in college, I kind of thought that wheat wasn’t good for me. So that was always on the back on my brain. Another is that I have a daughter with Celiac Disease, and I’ve seen all the options and meals she creates that are gluten-free and look just as great – if not better -than other foods. Finally, I found that at restaurants, I’d be filling up on the bread and not enjoying the main meal. So, I started going gluten free as an experiment.”

On a scale of 1-5 (with 1 being ‘easy’ and 5 being ‘challenging’), how difficult was your transition to a gluten-free lifestyle?

“I would say that the first two weeks were about a 3. Part of what helped me get through it was just telling myself it was temporary. After three weeks, I was sleeping better and was feeling more rested during the day, and it went down to a 1 in terms of ease.”

What food do you miss most?

“Sourdough bread.”

What is your favorite gluten-free meal you’ve had thus far?

“That’s a hard question. I think my favorite gluten free meal thus far was Sasha’s cauliflower pizza.”

Do you plan to stay gluten-free forever?

“I usually don’t talk in terms of forever in my life, but I don’t see why I would introduce gluten back in to my system. My food choices when I eat are so much more constructive and healthier because I’m no longer filling myself up on bread. At my age, it has become imminently more important to make the right food choices. Going gluten-free has helped me to do that. I was one of those people who would sit down and have 3 pieces of bread before my meal.”

For more amazing gluten-free information check out Sasha’s recipes at her site, Kale with Love!