What are the names for GF foods for gluten-free diet?

How to introduce new foods into a bland diet?

• Been eating a pretty standard (i.e. boring & bland) diet for the last 3-4 years (dont ask). Went to a doctor and found out that I'm not getting all the food nutrients I need and need to add some variety to my diet... Sounds easy right? Nope... Because my system is so used to certain foods, whenever I add anything new, I have digestive issues (sometimes painful). Its not that I am allergic to these foods, but my system has gotten so used to the same stuff that it freaks out if I add things.. How can i break new foods into my diet with the least possible suffering?

• Answer:

  Small amounts are the key to start. If you eat a small amount, you suffer a small amount, if you eat a large amount you suffer a large amount. Also be aware of processed foods and condiments. Ranch dressing has a TON of stuff in it, including MSG. Eliminating sauces and dressings from foods may have a bigger result than you realize. Be extra careful with restaurant food! They are notorious for using sauces and marinades with all kinds of ingredients you wouldn't expect! You might do fine with barbecue ribs untill you go to a place that adds "liquid smoke" for example. There is also a question of how your stomach breaks down these foods. Having been on a restricted diet you may have lost some of the basic healthy bacteria and enzymes that help us digest food. Go to your local health food store and ask about digestive enzymes. This isn't something you necessarily need to take forever, just to jump start your digestion until it regains functionality. If you have always had this problem there is always the chance that you are incapable of making certain enzymes. I would be interested to know if this is stomach pain, intestinal pain, or some other, and what kinds of foods work for you. It would certainly help narrow down exactly what might be causing your difficulty. Good Luck!