Gluten Free Diet, Learning To Live The Lifestyle
Welcome to my gluten free blog. Here you will find tips and information for living without this substance in your daily diet. As well, you will find resources to aid you in the choice to lead a gluten free lifestyle. An example of such a resource may be found at our best sellers page by clicking here. Here you will find a list of the top 10 best selling products (including Deliciously G-Free) to aid your gluten free choice . When searching the site be sure to click on each category tab. This will provide a list of related products. New choices are added each day. Please continue to read below as we explore gluten, how it affects your daily life, and feasible diet alternatives.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a natural protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.
Is gluten harmful?
Gluten can be taxing on the digestive system. It is especially irritating to those who suffer from certain digestive illnesses such as celiac’s disease. However, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms for anyone who has a gluten sensitivity.
What are the symptoms of gluten sensitivity?
A person who is suffering from a gluten reaction may experiences a barrage of symptoms. These may include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, sever bloating, aching joints, head aches, irritability, general stomach discomfort, depression, and low iron levels.
How do I get started on a gluten free lifestyle?
The first step is to understand which grains/foods contain gluten. Avoid wheat, rye, and barley. Some forms of wheat may be gluten free. However, make certain the label reads “gluten free”. Always read labels!
The next step is to verse yourself on which grains are gluten free. This will allow you to focus on what you can have, rather than what you cannot have. Some gluten free grains include: corn, rice, montina, quinoa, teff, sorghum, soy, amaranth, and buckweat(kasha).
Understand that giving up gluten does not mean giving up all starches.
Your choice to leave gluten out of the menu does not eliminate the opportunity to enjoy starchy foods which will delight the pallet. Here are some starch based foods which you may include in your daily diet.
1. Potatoes. You may enjoy any variety of white or sweet potatoes. However, if you are trying to watch your weight you may want to limit them.
2. Rice. Rice is a good alternative to gluten filled grains. Though rice is a grain it is gluten free. Brown rice is actually good for the digestive system.
3. You may also want to consider quinoa. Quinoa is a faux grain. This food cooks quickly and very well absorbs flavor additives. You may spice it up to your individual taste. Quinoa may be easily turned into delightfully tasting cuisine.
If you have a gluten allergy keep an eye on dairy.
It is true that dairy does not contain gluten. However, physicians have found that many of those who suffer from a gluten allergy or celiac disease are also be lactose intolerant. Therefore if you notice symptoms after eating a dairy product you may want to think about adopting a lactose free diet, in addition to your gluten free lifestyle.
Ideas for grain substitutions.
The key to maintaining a gluten free diet is not to feel deprived. You want to be knowledgeable as to foods which are similar to grain products, yet lack gluten. Therefore, let us explore some options for substituting grain foods in your daily menu or food choices. Below are some examples of gluten free substitution which you may find helpful.
- If you enjoy rolls, consider those which are made from polenta. Polenta is corn mush. Corn mush is free of gluten.
- When it comes to sandwiches there are numerous substitutes for gluten included breads. Wraps made from corn,teff or brown rice, such as tortillas are a good choice. Lettuce wraps are another tasty option. Then of course you may choose from a number of gluten free breads. A good tip is to toast this bread until you have become adjusted to the taste. Gluten free bread can be quite good. However, the taste does vary from that of traditional wheat breads.
- As for breakfast foods, think about gluten free waffles or pancakes. Also, find oats which are gluten free. Many oats are free of gluten. Just make certain the package says “gluten free”.
- Some good gluten free snack ideas include things such as, rice cakes, popcorn, organic peanut butter, apple sauce, gluten free dark chocolate, and gluten free potato chips.
Learn to check labels
If you are trying to adhere to a gluten free diet it is imperative to develop a habit of checking labels. Follow this rule with any product which you question or are unsure of. If you do read the label and are still uncertain if the product contains gluten, do not hesitate to call the manufacturer and ask. Most companies have a toll free customer service number on the packages. As well, most of them have customer service agents who are very friendly and glad to answer any questions that you may have.
Learn to shop gluten free
You must begin shopping in a manner that compliments your gluten free lifestyle. This means choosing products that are free of gluten. Now, you may think this is a hard task. However, it really is not all that difficult. Here on our gluten free blog you will find a wide variety of gluten free products which are priced well beyond reasonable. Exploring this virtual store will instill a confidence in your ability to live gluten free. The offered products will reassure you that it is possible to make good food choices, eat gluten free, and still enjoy your meals.
Thank you for dropping by my gluten free blog. I do hope that you will be a routine visitor, as I plan to regularly supply gluten information and tips on the gluten free lifestyle. It is my goal to educate, inform, and provide valuable tips. Together we may embark on the journey to a more healthy, gluten free life.