The next time you go to the grocery store take a look around the aisles, the words “Gluten Free” are everywhere.
When it comes to new diets I’m the first on the bandwagon. Weight Watchers, Nutri-system, Juice Cleanse, The Cabbage Diet, Paleo, Raw, Vegetarian, and Vegan, you name it, I’ve done it. When I first decided to give the “Gluten Free diet” a shot I figured it would be easy; only buy things with gluten-free on the label. Then I realized if I’m going to be putting this stuff in my body (or in this case not putting this stuff in my body) I should probably know what this elusive gluten is that everyone loves to hate. During the process, I stumbled on this great Jimmy Kimmel video where people are asked what is gluten. The answers are hilarious. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that helps things such as bread, pasta, and rice to keep its shape. It also contributes to the chewiness of these foods.
However, the newest research (Google search) suggests that only a very small percentage (1%) of people actually have a sensitivity to gluten or “non-celiac gluten sensitivity” (NCGS). According to the Huffington Post, people are actually seeing better results after being on a low FODMAP diet. (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) FODMAP diet consists of eliminating carbohydrates that the intestinal tract has a hard time digesting. This way of eating does consist of incorporating gluten-free products, as well as getting rid of most dairy products and certain vegetables and fruits. All of which will help with digestion.
After doing the yo-yo diets and the latest and greatest fad, everything always comes back to being healthy and clean. So, for now, I think I will learn to be more organic and find the balance for everything before I jump on the next wagon passing through.
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Vanessa, great article. My daughter actually has Celiac disease and has been GF 9 yrs. Back then…the only gluten free stuff you could purchase in the store tasted like card board….but when you are 15 yrs old and want bread…you will be happy with a crunchy bland bread. Since then, I have managed to make most of our GF food (I’m no GF as well) foods. The only pre made items I purchase are the noodles. I do buuy bread (I make great bread) but it cost about the same to make it and we eat so little of it. The key is finding a flour that works like regular glutened flour. Namaste gf flour (http://www.namastefoods.com) is AMAZING! I use regular recipes and bake/cook like normal. I purchase it at Costo and it is cheap for gf flour.
Thank you Kristi. Wow I’m going to try that flour, I would love to try to make my own bread.
This was a great article. I had noticed that Gluten Free has become more popular but I never actually jumped on the bandwagon. It’s nice to know what gluten is because I honestly had no idea! I did know that carbohydrates were not great for weight loss. My Grandma would always stop eating bread when she needed to lose weight! Even now she will only eat the toppings off the pizza! Thanks for the article!