Gluten free food ideas
While others think gluten free diet can be limiting, a list of gluten free foods is not that hard to find. A lot of grocery stores and specialty shops have made this type of food more available and affordable.
If you’re on gluten free diet or know someone who is, learn more about gluten free food here. I have compiled an extensive list of gluten free foods to help you out.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a source of protein found in barley, rye and wheat. It’s practically found in every food in the market. Processed meat and cooked vegetables may have gluten. Bread, pasta and pizza are the common examples of food containing gluten.
Some who have celiac disease (inability to digest gluten) or those who grow to become sensitive to it are supposed to switch to gluten free diet. While this may be quite a challenge, it’s necessary since it can lead to more fatal diseases.
The common misconception
Most people think that gluten is found only in bread, cakes or anything that’s baked and sweet. The truth is even the beer you drink or the soy sauce you use contains gluten. That’s why it’s important to have sufficient knowledge regarding gluten. People who need to switch to a gluten free diet end up thinking they are doomed to eat bland, steamed vegetables. The truth is the list of gluten free food is pretty long and the recipes are pretty varied too. They can be just as flavorful and delicious as any gluten-containing food.
List of gluten free foods
Milk Products- You don’t have to worry about cheese and milk. Cottage cheese and processed cheese as well as fresh milk can are gluten free. You can also add ice cream to your list of gluten free foods, since it’s made of milk. You have to be careful though because other flavors can have ingredients that contain gluten.
Grain products- You can still eat bread but it shouldn’t contain wheat flour, barley and rye. Be sure to check the ingredients and make sure it’s labeled gluten free. Cereals shouldn’t be consumed if it contains rye, barley or malt flavoring. You don’t have to stop eating pasta entirely though. Some pasta can be added to your gluten free list, especially those made from peas, potatoes or beans.
Meat products- Meat should be bought fresh, if you want to include it in your list of gluten free foods. You have to let go of eating processed bacon, sausages and other meat products. Fresh eggs can still be consumed. You can also add lentils, tofu and beans to your list of gluten free foods.
Soups- You need to say goodbye to Campbell’s or any other processed soups. There are broths that are gluten free but it’s recommended to make your own soup or broth.
Fats-You can still enjoy using butter, lard, margarine, shortening, cream and vegetable oil with your dishes. But you have to be wary about including pre-made salad dressings or mayonnaise in your list of gluten free foods. Their ingredients might have gluten.
Desserts- Ice cream and other pastries that don’t have any gluten can be added to your gluten free list. This is where making or baking your own dessert is highly recommended. Majority of products have gluten in them and this may end up making you frustrated.
Beverages- Freshly ground coffee is on top of my list of gluten free foods. Gluten-free beer as well as gin, rhum, vodka, whiskey and wines can still be enjoyed. Be careful of beverages that contain barley and wheat though.
Gluten free food ideas
Once you’ve compiled your list of gluten free foods, it will be easy for you to make gluten free recipes. One thing you need to remember is that you still need to eat right. What you have isn’t a defect but an opportunity to be healthier.
The list of gluten free foods you can eat during breakfast is extensive. You can have gluten free cereals and fresh milk, or even omelet with fresh herbs and vegetables. Come lunch time, you can steam fresh vegetables and season them with salt and pepper. If you want some sauce to go with it, use gluten free seasoning. You can also add some fresh fruits. Once dinner comes, season your fresh meat with salt and pepper and grill, fry or cook them however you want. Make sure to pair it with items in your list of gluten free foods, such as cheese and veggies.
The advantages of having a list of gluten free food
Many people still think going gluten free means a boring and tasteless life. You’ll be surprised at the variety of choices in a list of gluten free food. The following are some of the many advantages of having a list of gluten free food:
- The limits are a good thing. For example, you’re not allowed to bread your chicken; this will prevent you from frying it. The amount of oil and fats that you could have possibly consumed may raise your cholesterol levels. That’s why being limited or constricted to some food is an opportunity for you to become healthier. Imagine all the unwanted fats you’ll end up consuming, right?
- It’s helpful with weight loss. Your list of gluten free foods will help you consume less oil, sugar and bad fat. You’ll be on your way to losing a significant amount of weight. Once you’ve added more fresh vegetables to your diet, your fiber content will increase. Thus, your list of gluten free foods can give you a better digestive system. Gluten free diet is very low in carbohydrate so you won’t have to burn too much when you’re working out.
- Helps eliminate diarrhea or bloating. Since your list of gluten free foods will help you eat nothing but fresh and organic food, the chances of your stomach suffering is very little.
- A better outlook and disposition. Now that you’re eating healthier food and all those unhealthy meals are out of your system, you’ll start feeling better. Your mood will be lighter and you’ll have an easier disposition. This is where your stress levels would be more manageable and you will worry less.
Going for gluten free food can actually be very beneficial to anyone who’s interested or necessitated. Despite all the misconceptions about gluten free diet, it has proven to be highly effective and successful
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