The Oatmeal Controversy

This morning I showered and dressed for work, feeling great, looking great in the new clothes I bought last weekend. Ate a corn muffin for breakfast, rode the train into the city, got to the office and was so happy to be feeling so, so good. I always eat something small before work and then have another small breakfast once I get to work. I've always been the type of person that needs to eat right after waking up and then every few hours throughout the day, otherwise I end up weak and nauseous. When I got to work I made some oatmeal... and it was all downhill from there. Let me tell you why. If you remember, not long ago I was wondering if there was any gluten-free instant oatmeal out there because I have trouble cooking the regular kind. I did some research and came across the website for McCann's Irish Oatmeal. It gave the same story about oats, didn't guarantee anything but for some reason I thought this might be more tolerable than Quaker Oats. Now let me back it up here, I've been eating instant oatmeal for a long time and to be honest, it's always caused somewhat of an adverse reaction in my stomach. But I get sick of Rice Chex or eggs and I love the taste of instant oatmeal. So I risked it. Now I have been otherwise totally gluten free every single day for a full week. (I know, shame on me, I've been so bad lately) I've been feeling so good as a result of that, but after I ate that oatmeal I instantly (ha..pardon the pun) had to visit the ladies' and my back cramped up like someone just took a taser to it.

I did some research and found out that McCann's Instant Oats had been tested and showed more than 200ppm of gluten. Not good at all. I am really sad, it tastes so good! I love oatmeal for breakfast. When will someone come up with gluten-free instant oatmeal?!?!?! Not to mention the box wasn't cheap and I still have almost a full one left.

The good news is, other than that I've been really sticking to it and I feel better than I have in a long time. Well, I did this morning. Right now my back is killing me. But that's ok, it'll be better soon and now I know what it was the caused the problem!

Comments

Anonymous said…
So here's the thing about oats...I was eating quite a bit of Bob's GF oatmeal for awhile and I visited my nutrionist and handed her my food diary and started describing all of the problems (felt like I had just eaten a loaf of bread every day and was awful-feeling). She looked at it and immediately said, "oh, lots of oatmeal" and I nodded, pointing out that it was GLUTEN FREE oatmeal. She says, "I would definitely cut out the oatmeal. I would bet you're not able to tolerate it and no one has yet deemed it safe for sensitive celiacs like yourself. I cut it out. Guess what, I feel way better now. Hate to be a buzzkill, but for such an easy fix, it's totally worth it. Try some buckwheat groats (kasha) and add the same things you'd add to oatmeal.
Jen said…
Thanks Sally, I know you're right, even before I went gluten-free I knew oats caused me some issues. It's just getting more noticeable now that I've cut everything else out. It's a learning curve!!
Lauren said…
You might not be able to tolerate them, but you may be able to tolerate them in small amounts every few days (not daily, I heard that that can be bad). Anyways, I get Lara's Rolled Oats from Cream Hill Estates. They're certified GF, and they're really nice once in awhile. They do take 8 or so minutes to cook in the microwave, but here and there, it's a nice hot cereal.

Oh, and for other hot cereals, theres Quinoa, Quinoa Flakes, Brown Rice Cereal, etc.
Marlow said…
Jenny I was frowning the entire time I read this post! I too love oats. I mean I LOVE steel cut oats. I miss them so much. Nothing can take their place....nothing!!
I've tried every other hot cereal known to man and nothing compares.
Ugh this is a bummer of a comment, BUT nothing tastes good enough to live with feeling bad!!
Jennifer said…
way to stick to it- and keep up that attitude. it's inspiring.
H.Peter said…
I second Lauren's post about Cream Hill Estates. In moderation those Oats will not make you feel bad at all.
My wife is the family Celiac and after a very emontional first attempt (fear of poison), she now eats that oatmeal on weekends.

Leave it to Canadians to come up with great stuff!
Jessica said…
I just read your posting on looking for a gluten-free instant oatmeal and guess what? There is a gluten-free instant oatmeal on the market made from certified gluten-free oats and it's called Glutenfreeda's Instant Oatmeal. It comes in 3 different flavors and one variety pack - Apple Cinnamon, Maple Raisin and Banana Maple. It even comes in individual serving packets so you could take it to work! They also have a variety pack. Just thought I'd let you know.
Anonymous said…
Glutenfreeda's instant oatmeal has sugar in it. What we need is a good GF instant oatmeal with no sugar.
Jen said…
YES I completely agree, an instant oatmeal with no sugar would be awesome!
Kristine said…
Glutenfreeda now has available natural instant oatmeal with no sugar and no flavoring

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