My first experience with learning about a gluten free diet was many years ago when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. The doctor I see suggested I follow a gluten free lifestyle to help reduce the auto immunity. I have to say at first I was extremely overwhelmed by the simple idea of removing bread from my diet! I did not know what I would eat! After about a week I can honestly say I did not starve and the gluten free diet got to be a habit, not a hassle. Plus I was starting to experience health improvements with it so I had to continue and learn all I could about it. One of my children tested positive for gluten and as a mom I had to learn how to make his food taste good.
One of the biggest ways I can help teach people how to eat a gluten free diet is by not thinking about what you cannot eat, but rather think of substitutes for what you like. One tip is to find a gluten free bread that you like and there are several good options in the stores. The next is to learn the hidden ingredients to avoid getting “glutened” by mistake. I had to learn that MSG, hydrolyzed protein, broth, starch, natural flavoring could all contain gluten. I always have my I Phone with me when I go shopping and one trick is to “google” the food in question. For example we eat ground turkey but almost every brand says “natural flavoring” on the package. So I google the name of the brand and the words “gluten free” and see what pops up. There are also a few really good gluten free apps you can download and scan the bar-code while you are shopping. You will get a thumbs up or a thumbs down depending on if the product is gluten free or not.
We are your “normal” family and we like to have fun and enjoy food. When we have a party with friends I do like to make brownies or a cake, I just make them gluten free and no one complains because they taste really good! The gluten free cakes and brownies are made from different grains instead of wheat.
If you would like more help on how to eat a gluten free diet, I am happy to teach you more tips and tricks. Just contact our office to make an appointment.
Sound good? Contact our office today! 678-372-2913.
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Medical disclaimer: Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor.
By Alane Palmer, ND, CNC
