The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide

by Elisabeth Hasselbeck

For years, Elisabeth Hasselbeck couldn't figure out what was making her sick. She asked doctors and consulted nutritionists, but no one seemed to have any answers. It wasn't until spending time in the Australian Outback, living off the land on the grueling Survivor TV show, that, ironically, her symptoms vanished. Returning home, she pinpointed the food that made her sick -- gluten, the binding element in wheat. By simply eliminating it from her diet, she was able to enjoy a completely normal, healthy life. But that wasn't all. Hasselbeck discovered the myriad benefits that anyone can enjoy from a gluten-free from weight loss and increased energy to even the alleviation of the conditions of autism.

In this all-inclusive book, Hasselbeck shares her hard-earned wisdom on living life without gluten and loving it. She gives you everything you need to know to start living a gluten-free life, from defining gluten - where to find it, how to read food labels - to targeting gluten-free products, creating G-Free shopping lists, sharing recipes, and managing G-Free living with family and friends.



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Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Food, Cookbooks, Cooking, Self Help, Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Hasselbeck was formerly known to television audiences as a participant on the wildly popular second edition of Survivor: The Australian Outback. Since taking her coveted seat on The View in 2003 she has been the focus of major magazine covers and articles including USA Weekend, Curious Parents, People, TV Guide, Fitness, Glamour, Us Weekly, Life, Pregnancy and ePregnancy. She has filled in on the FOX News Channel's Fox and Friends, and has been a guest on Hannity and Colmes, Larry King Live, The Martha Stewart Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Good Morning America.

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I know she's terrible, but I will read ANYTHING about gluten-free diets. And this book proves it.

So here's what I thought. Overall, it averages out to 3 stars. Let's remember that this woman isn't a doctor, a nutritionist, or frankly anyone with even five seconds of experience working in healthcare, so she isn't entirely accurate in her use of terms like "allergy." But she is doing an OK job making celiac disease accessible to folks who maybe received a diagnosis but an inadequate education from their provider.

Her horrific personality has gifted her with many sneaky ways to avoid gluten, like swapping plates at a meal, and forcing other people to eat your glutened food. Seriously, I was impressed to find that she's really good at this. I thought the only things she could do were reproduce and spew homophobia, but it turns out she's good at one other thing.

Now the part that is irritating is that she tries (and frankly fails) at spinning a GF diet into the new diet craze. Sure, some people (myself included) lose weight when they go GF, but most celiacs are so malnourished from years of malabsorption that they GAIN weight upon going GF. Sure, I'm a huge advocate of GF, it's made my life better, and I probably wouldn't go back to eating gluten even if I could. But good luck selling that to most people who have functional digestive systems.

Good for newbie celiacs and partners/families of celiacs, but if you've been living GF for a while, none of this is news.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly as the title states, a gluten-free survival guide. An allergy to gluten can be life altering in many ways. An allergy to gluten can also be life threatening without a person even knowing it. Gluten is a hidden source of many terrible health conditions, from arthritis, to GI troubles, to even ADHD. There are studies that even Autism may have Gluten to blame for it.
This book is a must-have if you are following a gluten-free diet.
This book makes heads and tales of following and understanding exactly what a gluten free diet is as it can be quite challenging to follow a gluten free diet.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck was on the TV show 'Survivor', and she found out that she felt so much better while there, She tried to figure out before what was making her so sick and never could figure it out. While on the TV show, she had to resort to eating nuts, berries, and foods that grew willdly, without gluten in them. The result turned out to be that she felt SO good while on the TV show. After further investigation as to why she felt so good on the show, she finally linked it to eating foods that did not have gluten in them, without her even knowing. Once back home, eating like she used to, she got sick again. Back at the doctors office, they finally figured out what was wrong with her. She had Celiac Disease. This is a disease which is directly linked to an allergy to Gluten. Thus started her lifelong survival Gluten-Free diet.
Many people are allergic to the 'gluten' that is found in many foods, lotions, creams, face creams, hand lotions, lipsticks, and more. There is gluten in products you would never think there would be gluten in. Gluten, in general, is used as a binder in products. In foods, lotions, creams, makeups, and more. Elizabeth Hasselbeck helps us make heads and tails of it all.
This book contains everything you need to know about Gluten. The effects gluten can have on your health, to reproductive issues, cancer, and a myriad of other problems. She tells us how to go G-Free, and also lists other reasons who to give up Gluten in our diets.
This book is chock-full of information that is unbelievably vital to having a Gluten Free diet.
Anyone with intestinal problems should most likely check this book out. It may very well have something to do with Gluten.
I give this book a 5-Star rating! There is no other book that contains this amount of information regarding Gluten.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am only reading this book for the research since I'm all about the gluten free. So far I'm on chapter 4 and I have mixed feelings. I enjoy the information from Dr. Peter Green, but I want to smack Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She's such an idiot.

Prime example: She is crippled over in pain everyday to the point where she has to pull over to the side of the road while driving. She's seeing a holistic doctor and they are about to eliminate wheat from her diet and instead she auditions for Survivor. Um...I'm sorry, but if I were in such bad pain everyday (which I was) I would not be auditioning for a reality tv show where cameras are in your face 24/7. She is so vain.

Update...I did not finish this book. It was too hard to read through how much she "cheated" and didn't follow a 100% gluten free diet because she didn't want to believe she couldn't eat gluten. Having celiac disease for over 10 years, there has never been a time when I thought "it's ok if I eat gluten" Never. I was too sick to even want to go near it. Clearly this book does not come from someone who is knowledgeable in gluten free living, because they would never advise that it's "ok" to "cheat". She also includes a chapter on how to lose weight by eating gluten free. Right there she shows she is not serious about celiac and the importance of following a gluten free diet. To lose a few lbs is sick. It's people like her that make others (media included) think that a gluten free diet is a fad.

Not recommended.

[Fyreball · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beginning with a basic point, this book has too much questionable advice for it to be used as a survival guide. For example, as any celiac or gluten sensitive person will tell you, we usually GAIN weight once we go gluten free. This is because gluten damages our digestive system, making it hard for us to absorb nutrients. Once we remove gluten, our intestines return to health, we are able to absorb nutrients and we put weight back on. Many undiagnosed celiacs are underweight for this reason. If you think eating GF will make you skinny, you're sadly mistaken.

Ms. Hasselback also discusses other POSSIBLE links between GF living and health issues. There is some evidence to support this but it is not conclusive. In quoting both my GI specialist and my rheumatologist, it's worth going GF for several months to see how it makes you feel. Personally, I've seen improvements in my digestive system, my migraines and my joint pain. But I'm a sample of one, as is Ms. Hasselback. If you're diagnosed as GF, I'd ignore the data and simply pay attention to how going GF makes you feel. This should work for all but the smallest of children and for this, you don't need a book.

I found this book to be a very strange mix of good and bad advice (e.g, the author's claim that you can lose weight). Every celiac I know does a huge amount of online research on food - you can learn best from other celiacs (particularly those who aren't trying to sell a book). Personally, I don't think this book is worth the money or time. You're better off finding a great gastroenterologist and nutritionist and then finding some online GF friends who can share tips like which Thai restaurants are truly GF and where to get truly GF cooking ingredients. There is an abundance of GF foods in most grocery stores. Restaurants are a bit tougher, but you can get all of the advice you need from the GF community online.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much...it was very informative and I learned a lot from it...in fact I suffered a reaction this week because I did one of her nono's...
the only thing i found questionable is that she tells you to make sure you have your house stocked with gluten free quickie meals and snacks, but everyone cannot afford to do that...gluten free food is very expensive...even just buying fresh fruits and veggies is expensive...in the end though she does say that one of the goals of celiacs is to get the prices of these specialty foods lowered...really anyone with an allergy or someone who just wants to eat healthier is gonna have to spend more money.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really helpful book! Hasselbeck has become a real spokesperson and source of information for the many gluten-intolerant people who an undiagnosed, not adequately educated about their condition, and unaware of the many options for living a gluten-free life. Written in a very accessible style and language, the author covers the roots and effects of the spectrum of gluten intolerance from the medically recognized celiac disease to the idiopathic undiagnosed cases of gluten intolerance that many experience but can't find treatment or reasons for. Her information is solid and helpful and she offers a wealth of specific resources (many websites) and brand names (very important) along with sharing her own story and ongoing challenges. While I haven't delved into the recipes included at the end of the book I've already gotten a great deal out of the book and would recommend it as a good primer for anyone dealing with or wondering about the condition.

[Tosha Sisler · Rating 1 out of 5]

So much of the information in this book is inaccurate. Medical authorities also agree that you should not begin a gluten-free diet prior to testing as it eliminates the ability to test for celiac; there is also no benefit and possible detriment to assuming a gluten-free diet if you do not have celiac or are gluten-sensitive, yet the resounding message of this book harkening from just about every page is that everybody should be on a gluten-free diet. To her credit, some of the information about setting up a gluten-free kitchen and handling public restaurants and social situations can be helpful, but better information is available on the internet. I'm sure I would have given a higher rating to this book when it was first published as the information in this country was scarce at that time.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know anything about Elisabeth Hasselbeck before reading this book. I do not watch The View or Survivor :) Anyway, she helped me with my digestive problems more than my doctor, my gastroenterologist, and a nutritionist. None of those professionals ever suggested that any of my problems could be due to eating gluten. In fact they probably made matters worse by telling me to up my fiber intake, which I did by eating LOTS of whole grains. Like some of the other reviewers, I do not think I have celiac disease but by eliminating gluten by about 95% I feel SO much better. Thank you Elisabeth!!!

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read lots of g-free books in the past two weeks, and this was one of my favorites. The first thing that I really appreciated with her book was how she made everything real. Instead of just talking about what you need to eat or not, she gave examples of things she enjoys (which will be a great place to start in a world of growing options)! The second thing I loved was the reference section in the back. She gives helpful websites and information about lots of different things. When I finished reading this book, I didn't just feel more knowledgable about gluten-free diets, I felt empowered to successfully switch my family to that diet.

[Sundai Valcich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of info within the book that I was aware of (type of diet to follow, recommendations for how to live healthily with a gluten intolerance), but I also learned some new things including that celiac's is hereditary and that a GFree and casein-free diet can be helpful in curbing symptoms in autistic children. This was a quick and easy read. I highly recommend it for someone who has just been diagnosed with a gluten intolerance or a loved one of someone who has.

[Rachel Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for the newly gluten-free. It's also EXCELLENT for their loved ones to read, since it very clearly explains what to do and not to do to keep a celiac/gluten-intolerant friend or family member from getting physically ill or socially uncomfortable at your home or event. I wish more people understood how wrong and awkward it is to urge gluten-free folks to politely eat something unhealthy for them. This is the book for grandparents, babysitters, teachers, etc. who just don't get it.

[Amber Nesbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful in understanding celiacs disease and gluten sensitivities. Answered lots of questions for me as I have been g free for quite some time now. Very helpful!!! It's so interesting how so many things can be linked to an allergy to gluten even if you don't have Celiac disease. It was great for me to understand more. Very helpful will use it as a great resource.

[Anissa C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well done and informative on the topic of celiac disease. I am familiar with problems associated with food allergies and intolerances, but had no idea about the extreme symptoms that could surface with celiac disease. I also had no idea how many products contain gluten!

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your on your way to eliminate Gluten from your diet then this is the #1 book. It really addressed the seriousness of disease. I've been suffering in trying to figure out how to eat and what to cook with and this book has done all of that and so much more.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I'd like this book, but I really enjoyed it. I read it in 2 days. It's a great survival guide. Going gf is so difficult it's nice to finally have a good book to help the transition.

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it had some really great practical tips. However I did not like the couple of chapters that framed a gluten free diet as a weight loss diet-rather than a medically neccessary diet.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the information that she gave from her own experience and the helpful hints at the end. Since becoming G-free, it does help to read about someone elses story that is similar to your own.

[Stephanie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was just diagnosed with Celiac last week, so most of this information was new to me. I read this book in just a few days. I appreciate how Hasselbeck lists not only foods you can’t eat on a gluten free diet, but also foods you can eat. She explains that those with celiac need to be hyper aware of everything they put in their mouths in order to protect their long term and short term health and she provided tips for doing this. I was surprised by some of her suggestions for eating out. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to have some of the conversations she claims to have had with restaurant managers and wait staff. Honestly, the eating out part seems to be the most difficult. I think my biggest take away from The G Free Diet is that I’m going to be okay. While eating gluten free seems challenging now, I will soon find my own tricks for managing my new diet.

[Marta Veenhof · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know anything about this woman so I don’t have some of the knowledge some reviewers are aware of.

In saying that, overall there was some good parts in this book that were a good introductory read to gluten free living. I learned that even when items are made on machinery or space where non-gluten items are made it can affect a person with gluten allergies. As a vegan I will buy items that say ‘may contain milk’ because that’s what is written when it is made on shared machinery. I’m not vegan because of an allergy so I hadn’t considered that it would affect someone that is dairy-free because of their allergies. That makes me think about the seriousness of the contamination of gluten items for many people. Like nuts, it needs to be taken seriously. Sure, some people are ‘self-diagnosed’ but it’s better to be safe than sorry in this case, in my opinion.

Aside from that, there are a few times the author makes me question her credibility. She writes from a more privileged approach where dropping a gluten cookie on the floor is a better option than simply saying no to when the cookie is offered. Wasting food is not funny and is a huge problem in North America and other places.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite helpful. I don't have celiac disease, but I have severe reactions to wheat.

Hasselbeck was extremely thorough, highlighting foods that can easily be mistaken as gluten-free. Her writing is enjoyable, clear, and honest. I like that she admitted poor choices on her part. Her humility is refreshing.

I also learned quite a bit from how she handled social situations. It can be really tricky to navigate potlucks and special dinners, but Hasselbeck gave some really good advice on how to navigate those situations.

[Julie Castell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have terrible headaches! I'm on a mission so along with medications, many doctors, meditation, you name it, I went off gluten. I wanted to read this book for pointers, knowing I wasn't going to be hardcore (vitamins, separate cooking utensils, etc...) but just get an idea of G-free living.

Elizabeth had/has it rough! She is a true Gluten intolerant, the stuff makes her really physically sick. It was amazing to learn ( i knew a little) how disease is driven by the pharmaceutical companies. Since there is no pill for gluten intolerance, doctors don't test for it. One controls it through nutrition which means it isn't a money maker for the pharmaceutical industry. There is a test but you have to push your Dr. to test for it which doesn't seem right to me.

Thankfully so much has changed in the field of nutrition. Gluten-free foods are more readily available at commercial grocery stores, specialty grocery stores pop up everywhere & there are many websites that offer great gluten-free options.

Gluten can affect not only your digestive system but headaches, anemia, constipation, discolored teeth, fatigue, joint or bone pain, loss of dental enamel, muscle cramps, etc... I could go on and on.
That gives me enough reason to at least cut it out of my daily diet 80/20.

[Drmkk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro to gluten free living - I probably would have rated it higher except that if you are reading this book some drastic changes are coming into your life and if you are like me you may not be five-star happy about it. She does give wonderful advice and tools for navigating the changes as well as encouragement that (eventually) you will embrace them and be thankful for such changes.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have Celiac disease and when i was diagnosed, my friend gave me this :) It really helped me understand what I was about to get into hahaha. Super awesome :) If you know someone with a gluten alergy, read this! it will help you understand why they have to tell the Chipotle guy to change his gloves a gazilion times. hahaha

Thanks Chipotle, I love you

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and easy to read. Lots of good information. Good read for someone wanting to learn about celiac disease or who was just diagnosed. Keep in mind the book is a little out dated. There is more up to date information out there.

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book was the best part in my opinion. After that, it was a lot of what I already know. But it did make me feel better about my recent celiac diagnosis. Toward the very end when it talks about losing weight and GF with autism I completely skipped it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book since my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease. Keeping in mind this book is also 16 years old, the information was still wonderful, very helpful. I would love to see her to a revision with more current data!

[Michelle Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read, not overly complicated or technical. Some good information for someone recently diagnosed.

[Lynette Gile · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thorough look at a Gluten Free diet. A wealth of information. A must read for my fellow Celiac Disease sufferers!

[Gwendolyn B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful! This is worth having on my bookshelf as an accessible resource!

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for those that have Celiac Disease and non-Celiac gluten sensitivity.!