1.) I have more energy.

Everyone and their mother states that this is one of the outcomes of going gluten free, but it is true. I do not feel so sluggish or not want to get out of bed in the morning. I'm ready to go, after my morning coffee of course. I used to be so lethargic and not want to do anything. Granted, there are days where I am still this way, but for the most part, I am way more productive with my life sans gluten.

2.) I don't feel so bloated.

I know many people hate that swollen feeling and they hate to talk about it even more. I could tell a major difference within the first week not only not feeling swollen or bloated, but my clothes fit better. Even though I hadn't lost any weight, my stomach (which bloats easily and relatively often) was smaller.

3.) I lost weight, a lot of it.

While I have always been a heavier gal, I was always working towards losing weight. I had heard that going gluten free would, in fact, help you lose weight. This wasn't my sole reason for going gluten free, but after about a month of not eating gluten, I stepped on the scale and was 20 pounds lighter. I was also doing physical activity and watching the food I ate as well.

4.) I have to have a back up plan everywhere I go.

While more and more people are going gluten free, there is still a vast majority that eat the yummy protein. So, whenever there is a family affair or if I'm going to a friend's house, I have to make sure there is either a restaurant with a gluten free option or take my own food. This can be kind of tiring and inconvenient, especially since my friends like Taco Bell and bread. Although, I will be honest, I have cheated a time or two. Hey, birthday cake is still a legitimate craving.

5.) Those weak moments are not worth the digestive distress.

While birthday cake, Oreos, bread and pasta are delicious, it sometimes is not worth the stomach pain. The worst part is the longer you live a gluten free lifestyle, the worse your tummy hurts when you indulge that piece of cake. So, it really is the best option to buy gluten free pasta, bread, and baking goods instead of dealing with the aftermath later.

6.) So many things contain gluten....sooooo many.

Gravy, malt vinegar, Oreos, scalloped potatoes, any Little Debbie product, some seasonings, some barbeque sauces. So. Many. Things. And, yes, it stinks when you can't have Grandma's homemade cooking because she makes gravy for any and everything. Plus, bread is a part of the main entrée at her house.

7.) I am glad for my intolerance.

While some aspects of being gluten free can be a little difficult and unsatisfying, I feel much healthier than before. I have learned new recipes, new ways of eating, and better ways of managing my intolerance to gluten. While people say it must suck to not be able to eat it, it really is not an inconvenience after a while. In fact, I have found that being gluten free pushed me to become a healthier me and more body positive towards myself.