--is avoiding gluten in all its occult forms.

Gluten is not only in wheat, but also in rye and barley, so you have to avoid those too (which leaves out a LOT of cereals--about the only grain you can reliably eat is rice). But the bigger issue is that gluten is an additive in a lot of other substances, such as "modified food starch". In fact, gluten is used as a thickener is so many things that people have found they have to change their toothpaste, their shampoos . . .

As far as eating, think Paleo--the way our ancestors ate before refined grains. Eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats without sauces (many of which have gluten in them). Rice and beans are good (though I'd go with brown rice, which is healthier overall anyway--again, without sauces). There are even decent gluten free pastas now. I wouldn't be too worried about the carb drop if you are eating this way--most of us can use a carb drop, as we get too many (and that might actually help your energy level).

There are plenty of gluten free "goodies" out there now, though they tend to be expensive.

You should also consult The Gluten File (it's linked at the top of this forum, or google it); it's the single most comprehensive source of info yet compiled on all things gluten related.