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The Gluten Free Review!

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“Gluten free” is something we have all heard of – but surprisingly many people still do not know what this really means, and what a gluten free diet entails. For some people - eating a gluten free diet can improve their health and quality of life exponentially. This is why your QOL Health gurus would like to tell you the facts on “gluten free” so you can determine if you want to give it a try!

Defining Gluten

First thing we should define is Gluten! Gluten is a type of protein that is found in many grains and breads. It is responsible for the elastic texture of dough and is found in wheat, barley, rye, oats and products of these. There are two main proteins in gluten – glutenin and gliadin. Gliadin is the protein responsible for the negative health effects that people with celiac disease will experience when consuming gluten. People who are diagnosed with celiac disease cannot digest gluten – this is where the gluten free diet originated. In recent years it has become stylish to try a gluten-free diet because according to many health specialists, eating a gluten-free diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other health-related conditions like diabetes. It is also thought that a gluten-free diet can help your body ward off viruses and germs – this is due to the antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals that are found in many foods that are naturally gluten-free.

What you can eat

Anything unprocessed is fair game! Things like fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and rice are all naturally gluten-free! You can also eat dairy, meat, oils, and poultry products. Since gluten-free diets are so popular, many health food stores and even your local grocery store will carry gluten-free products. You can even find gluten-free versions of all your favorite foods – pizza, cookies, pasta and bread! You name it and there will be a gluten free version out there – but just because a product is gluten-free doesn’t mean it is healthy or low calorie. It is important to still read food labels and make healthy choices! To help make this simple we would like to outline a full day of naturally gluten free eating:

  1. Breakfast - Try yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) topped with fresh fruit and/or toasted nuts, seeds, homemade granola, etc.
  2. Snack – whip up some apple sandwiches – spread apple slice with peanut or almond butter, sprinkle with raisins, coconut, chocolate chips, or mini marshmallows and top with another apple slice!
  3. Lunch – grill some chicken and asparagus and throw it on a bed of lettuce or quinoa
  4. Dinner – Craving steak and a baked potato for dinner? You’re in luck – these are naturally gluten free!
  5. Dessert – Try making a gluten-free ice cream sundae. Top vanilla or chocolate ice cream with berries, nuts, and whipped cream!

Could this be right for you?

If you have suffered from unexplained dietary symptoms – try eliminating gluten and see what happens! Many people think that a gluten-free diet will help them lose weight, and yes this could be true since you may be cutting out many forms of carbohydrates from your diet and consuming more unprocessed foods. Although if you are eating gluten-free breads and pastas you will not reap the same weight loss effect from this diet. If you are interested in trying a gluten free diet to lose weight, stick to unprocessed foods like fruits and veggies!

Whether or not you choose to try a gluten free diet we would like to share with you some gluten free recipes that are worth a try! One common misconception with gluten-free diets is that gluten-free food will not taste as good. One fun way to destroy this misconception is to throw a dinner party where you prepare all gluten-free dishes – but don’t tell your guests until after they have eaten! They will most likely be surprised and have a different opinion on gluten-free options going forward. Here are some recipes to try that are so good no one will even realize they are missing gluten!

  • These cinnamon toast morning muffins and gluten-free and vegan!
  • For a snack - try these guacamole deviled
  • Craving gluten-free comfort food? Try this Mac and Cheese!
  • In a hurry? Make a batch of this quick chili.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with this unique butter mochi recipe!

We hope by now you have a good understanding of what gluten is and how to follow a gluten-free diet! Share this blog with your friends and family to spread the knowledge and if you think gluten-free could benefit you give it a try!

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