People choose to start a gluten-free diet for various health reasons. Many health advocates are still confused on what exactly "gluten" is and how to find it. Gluten is basically a protein found in most wheat-based foods. Its role is to hold a particular food's shape, behaving like a consumable glue. If you have a gluten allergy, it is most likely that your body is unable to digest or break down the protein found in grainy foods.
Gluten Free Diet Tips
Going gluten-free is nothing to be scared of. You may have to incorporate a few new habits but you will find that the adapting process with be relatively smooth. If you don't know where to begin, these tips will have you avoiding gluten with your eyes closed.
Gluten is NOT in everything
A common misconception about gluten is that it is in almost every food. FALSE. There are plenty of fresh fruits and veggies that are naturally gluten-free. Meat, poultry, and fish that are farm to the table have also been proven to be gluten-free. Until you get more familiar with other foods, stick to building meals with these foods.
Reading Food Labels
Efforts throwing in packaged foods into your grocery cart will become a thing of the past for you. Starting a gluten-free diet will require a lot of research and reading the ingredients label on every single packaged food you're thinking of taking home. By law, packaged food must include every ingredient used to prepare the meal. Some packages will also include an allergen list to help gluten-free consumers shop confidently. This habit is probably the most difficult of all but after some practice, you will be able to peruse over the smallest ingredient labels and spot if the package has gluten or not.
Focus on all the great foods you CAN eat
One of the most common reasons why people can't stick to a gluten-free diet is because they think too much about the foods they're missing out on. Anything in life needs a positive mindset. There are so many nourishing meal options available, why mope about the few things you can't eat? If you're craving particular treats known to have gluten, try finding gluten-free products from trusted sources like Doctors Best Weightloss. You're still allowed to indulge in the good things. They're just made with a little more love and a little less gluten to keep your body's digestion system happy.
Download a Gluten Free App
In the age of technology, we have so many resources available that cater to any lifestyle. Many gluten-free apps help you find recipes, foods, and ingredients that are within the gluten-free dietary guidelines. There are other incredible apps that will tell you what you're allowed to order from a list of restaurants which is a great tool to have around especially when you're traveling or out with family and friends.
Don't be Afraid to Experiment
Getting into the kitchen and becoming your own personal executive chef has its perks. It may feel overwhelming at first but don't let those feelings hinder your ability to make a delicious masterpiece. If you happen to enjoy baking, find the right gluten-free substitute for the flour and add in all the extras to satisfy your sweet tooth. The first batch might not meet your taste buds' expectations but we hear that third time's a charm! Happy baking!
You're the Boss
Remember that your gluten-free diet is catered to your needs. You can make your gluten-free meals as tasteful and fun as you allow it to be. Get advice from others who follow a gluten-free diet and remember that your well being is worth all of the sacrifice.
