What the heck is Gluten Free?

For those of you who either have a newfound allergy or intolerance or have a family member who is sensitive to gluten, or if you just want to learn more…here is my little crib notes version to start you out on your journey of eating g-free…

What is gluten? Gluten is a protein that tends to exist in wheat, barley, and rye among other carbohydrates. Gluten alone is not necessarily bad for your health; however, some people do have difficulty digesting gluten and therefore must avoid it. If you want to read more check out this link (it provides a pretty good synopsis) http://whatisgluten.net/

First, let’s start with the good news…If you are allergic or sensitive to gluten, once you embark on a gluten free diet you will almost immediately feel better. Personally, I thought my stomach was supposed to be upset 24/7…all the time…for 27 ½ years. Guess what? I was WRONG! I have been on a totally gluten free diet for almost 6 months, and other than the few times I have been accidentally glutened (in a restaurant by a sneaky sauce, spice, or cross contamination) I have been stomach ache free!! Free, I tell you!

Second, some bad news (you knew it was coming), you will not be able to have whatever you want whenever you want it. Ok take a second, take a deep breath, and and mourn your favorite bready treat.....

...Now get over it. I didn’t say you have to give anything up I just said you can’t get away with not planning your meals (or at least giving them some forethought) when you are living gluten free.

Below is a brief listing of gluten containing foods to give you an idea of what you should avoid. Unfortunately, if you are allergic or intolerant to gluten a gluten free diet is not something you can ‘sort of ‘ go on, or do gluten free in moderation. It has to be all or nothing, because as anyone with sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy will tell you, even a tiny bit of gluten can cause serious pain for hours or days.

Wheat includes, but is not limited to:

·         bran

·         bulgar

·         cake flour

·         couscous

·         cracked wheat

·         einkorn

·         farina

·         graham

·         kamut

·         matzo flour

·         matzo meal

·         modified wheat starch

·         anko

·         semolina (durum wheat)

·         spelt

·         triticale

·         wheat bran

·         wheat germ

·         wheat starch

·         whole wheat

Since not everyone is familiar with spelt and bulgar, here is a list of things with flour in them (white or wheat) which are the most common culprits when you’re avoiding gluten. The following foods are among the more obvious edibles and beverages that are gluten packed:

·         Bagels

·         Beer

·         Bread

·         Cookies, cakes, and most other baked goods

·         Crackers

·         Pasta

·         Pizza

·         Pretzels

Read more: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/common-foods-that-contain-gluten.html#ixzz1NImBk5by

Moving right along, let’s not dwell on the downside. Since wheat is one of the most common foods that people are allergic or sensitive to you aren’t alone. Because wheat allergies are relatively common you really don’t have to explain yourself too much to people waiters and waitresses (99% of the time restaurants already have protocols in order to deal with preparing food for people with allergies…and because they want you to come back, and not get sick from their food, restaurants are really accommodating). If you are really lucky and the restaurant is really on top of its game, entrees on menus may already be labeled as gluten free (just like they do for vegetarians, or when restaurants indicate healthier entrees).

Finally, more good news. There is a gluten free substitution for just about any food you can imagine. Blueberry muffins, check. Crackers, check. Sandwich bread, yup, that too. Sometimes there is a bit of trial and error involved in finding out which brands taste the best to you (or if you are lucky, finding out which restaurants or bakeries in your area cater to your dietary needs), but I am here to help you as well, hopefully my six month journey of fumbling through meal times can work to your advantage. J

Here are some of my fav g-free finds:

·       Udi’s blueberry muffins (I was really impressed with these; they have a good consistency and have a sprinkling of sugar on top!)

·      Kind bars (These are great grab and go treats, pair one with some fruit or greek yogurt and you have an easy breakfast for busy mornings--I like the cranberry almond flavor)

·     Nut thins (These crisp little crackers and made of nuts! There are lots of tasty flavors, but my favorite is the Almond with just a little sea salt—super versatile.)