gaining weight after going GF...normal?

[CaseyMae]

I've been gluten free for almost 2 months and I'm feeling so much better.  I've recently found out that I react to soy too, so I've been trying hard to avoid my daily soy lattes.  I feel like I am finally digesting my food; my gas has disappeared, the noises my stomach used to make after eating is no longer occurring, my stomach isn't bloated, and I'm not ravenously hungry and thirsty at all waking hours.  My question is, since you have gone gluten free, did any of you gain weight?  I wasn't ever tiny to begin with, but over the last 1 1/2 years, I have lost about 15 pounds despite eating a lot for the most part (except for a period of like 4 or 5 months where I lost my appetite and lost a lot of weight).  I have maintained that weight though, even with eating a lot.  Since I've been gluten free, I have gained at least 5 pounds (in less than 2 months).  Is this normal?  I can feel my body being able to properly digest the food, but I'd like to maintain the weight I am now and stop gaining.  Will my weight level off or do you think I will gain back the 15 pounds?  I really don't want to be that big anymore...I eat healthy and exercise.  Any personal stories about gaining/maintaining weight after going gluten free?  Or any advice?  Thanks!

[GoingToMakeIt]

I did too. I think the grains that are GF are much higher in carbs. Also, if your digestive system is constantly irritated. You can't absorb nutrition as well as you can now.
How did you find out about soy reactions?

[5thave]

I was wondering the same thing. It seems like since i changed my diet I am more hungry and I believe it is because rice anything does not stay with you the same such as oats and wheat. Rice puffs, rice flour, rice.... is mainly like eating air. To combat this I have increased my protein intake and that is working. For every 1g of carb you eat you should eat 1g of protein. This will keep your blood sugar stable and your body has to work to use the protein. You will stay fuller longer. I am holding my weight now and even think I lost a few pounds since increasing my intake. Hope this helps...

[GoingToMakeIt]

I use GF oats from a health foods store.

[CaseyMae]

Thanks for your replies. I'll definitely try increasing the protein, I've been trying to be more cognizant of what I eat in regards to carbs, fats, and protein.  I used to not eat a lot of protein but I'm working on increasing that!

As for the soy, I cut out gluten first and felt much better but not 100%.  I figured this could mean 2 things, either it wasn't gluten that was affecting me or that there is something else I am sensitive to.  I noticed that I'd get more gassy/GI symptoms when I drank soy...some days I'd drink a lot, some days I wouldn't.  Just last week I decided to cut it out and see and what do ya know, I'm very close to 100% better!  

[cubblebubble]

I have gained about 20 lb since 2001, but also developed thyroid issues. You have to remember your body is trying to still eat like it is starving but is starting to absorb much more. Seems like a catch 22 doesn't it?? I am still a normal weight 5'6 146lb but i miss being 130 lb :( Just try to watch the amounts you eat, and don't forget to exercise. I think I am starting to have issues with soy too.... I am running out of things to cut out!

kitty

[rosie16]

hello.
from what ive read most people who start the gf diet lose wt.
though ur eating habbits change alot when u go gf. i know im hungry more often.
i try to eat meals more often. which coincidentally is better for ur metabolism.
you could be gain wt do to the emotional side of the disease when we cant eat our fav comfort foods its natural for us to replace them with other things. I know when im around people who are eating things i cant it bothers me unless i have something i can eat no matter what it is. I try to keep snacks in my purse. to replace my comfort foods like reg bread pizza mac and chesse ect..i often eat junk food like gf potato chips, candy, icecream, french fries. what ever I can find the fastest. be careful its easy to eat emotionally when gf.