We are still in the testing phase of this diet only because of the work involved in it for the entire family. But I have noticed when our daughter is off the GFCF diet she is less verbal and “whiny” as her special ed teacher puts it. The following are what we see as the pros and cons of the GFCFdiet:
Pros
Our child’s sentence structure is better she is able to organize her thoughts to communicate clearer.
Better focus on herself, she is able to help herself more being less dependant on others. She seems to be able to find things for her self to do and keep busier.
More positive reports from school regarding gains academically. After being on the diet for an entire summer at the first conference the special ed teacher reported quick gains rather than the usual loss that is exhibited by most students returning from summer break.
Gains in gross motor skills, that same summer she learned to ride a bike fairly quickly.
Focus on the “right things to eat” when we are not following the diet we are too relaxed about what we eat making poor choices causing us to gain weight.
The GFCF diet has also got her to notice how certain foods make her feel. I often ask her when she is craving something with wheat how she feels when she does or doesn’t have wheat. She usually chooses the healthier alternative. Cookies or apple and peanut butter, she will choose the apple!
Clothes fit better she seems to be less bloated when on the GFCF diet which saves money having to buy bigger clothes to fit.
Cons
Expenses increase. The special baking mixes are $5.00 for a 1 pound bag. I burn though a bag in three meals making pancakes, cookies, breads and muffins.
The extra baking takes time and planning.
Running out of variety, she gets board with the same foods.
Making special meals for her because the rest of the family won’t eat all of the GFCF foods, including myself.
Not a lot of medical support our pediatrician recommends we try it and says “he has families that notice improvements however the diet is not proven.”
Extended family unfamiliar with the diet and unknowingly sabotaging your efforts.
Special functions and holidays involving food is hard for me to stick with the GFCF diet so my expectations for her are lower too.
School functions and treats, it’s a lot of work trying to catch things when your not there.
The GFCF diet is gaining credibility and support from other diseases now such as Celiac and food allergies. It is defiantly worth trying for a period of time and then weigh the pros and cons for your self. We do not see as dramatic results because we are higher functioning but I think the GFCF diet does work over all. Check out the link to the Gluten Free Pantry they have some good info.
