Behind Going Gluten Free
A gluten free diet for some is compulsory due to it being the only available approved treatment for celiac disease, however there are many who choose to go gluten free purely out of choice after weighing up the pros and cons of eating gluten containing food products. Here we are going to take a look into what a gluten free diet consists of and why so many people are following this particular lifestyle choice.
Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and triticale, a gluten intolerance is an allergic reaction against the gluten protein present resulting in an immune response which cases gastrointestinal distress. This distress can lead to further health complications. Gluten sensitivity is another problem which some people have after consuming gluten based grains. Although being sensitive to gluten will not cause the intestinal problems and damage that an intolerance does it still may cause unpleasant symptoms which can be avoided with a change of diet.
You will find once you are looking into approaching a gluten free lifestyle that so many food items especially ready meals and convenience foods contain some traces of gluten. Celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Miley Cyrus have claimed their slim figures are thanks to the effects of a gluten free diet and it is easy to see why this occurs. The diet cuts out high carbohydrate foods such as bread, grains and processed food leaving you with healthy, low carb and generally low sugar food options such as fruit, vegetables, quinoa, lean meat and fish.
For those who heavily rely on ready made or processed foods the transition to gluten free may be difficult, although it will pay off in the long run many lack the will power and organisation to see it through. Being prepared and pre planning your new diet and marking out what choices are available to you will go a long way in your chances of success. Take a look at as many gluten free recipes as you can. You will find that there is actually a huge choice available, many of these are new variations of old favourites such as gluten free lasagne and banana bread to name a few. Following these recipes will help you eat healthier versions of favourite foods you enjoyed before you cut gluten out, feeling like you aren’t being too restricted will increase your chances of following through with the diet changes.
The huge increase of people being diagnosed with a gluten intolerance or sensitivity as of recent years has led to a boom in the specialist food sector. Gluten is removed from biscuits, bread and pasta and these options can give you the convenience of a “normal” diet. Watch out though, these may not be healthier options if you aren’t actually allergic to gluten, some gluten free biscuits and breads have been found to have a higher calorie and fat content than what would be found in a standard version of the product.
It is important to note that the limited food options which are available to those eating a gluten free diet may result in important vitamins and minerals being missed out of the diet. These are typically those which are found in cereals and grain based products such as B vitamins, fibre and iron. If you are planning on taking the gluten free approach plan ahead in regards to the loss of these vitamins and minerals from your diet and either seek to replace them with different foods or take a supplement.
About the Author
Sarah is a UK based food blogger who has been enjoying the benefits of a gluten free diet.
