Gluten free diet is usually opted by people with celiac disease. Although it can be chosen by others too, depending on what they are aiming at; following one can require a lot of determination.
People who are intolerant to gluten, have to follow the diet strictly. They have no other choice. If they do not avoid gluten based procedures, they will experience unease and discomfort along with negative health impacts too.
Thus, if you are just starting over with a gluten free diet, no matter the purpose, then here are some tips to help you along the way.
Beginner Tips for Gluten Free Diet
It can be daunting to set off on this journey, without any knowledge. Thus, here are some quick tips to help you.
1. Read the Food Labels:
Start building a habit of reading food labels, before buying anything. The ingredient list makes it easier to understand whether a product is gluten free or not. Many products in the UK and EU come with a specific label too. For instance, bulk nutritional yeast flakes will mention it in their ingredients, even if they have the slightest bit of it. Thus, read thoroughly before you purchase.
2. Opt for Gluten Free Substitutes:
Bread, crackers and pasta are some of the best, go-to foods for everyone. However, if you are choosing a gluten free diet, you need to steer clear of them. But luckily, you have a lot of options these days in the grocery stores. There are gluten free pastas, bread, crackers and bulk nutritional yeast flakes too. They do not have gluten in them and are great to opt for.
3. Naturally Gluten-Free Foods:
Add foods that are naturally free of gluten, in your diet. Fresh veggies and fruits are a great pick to make. Fish, meat, eggs and poultry items are gluten free and they are equally important for your health too. Thus, adding them to your routine can make a huge difference.
4. Avoid Specific Types of Alcohol:
If you have celiac disease, then you must avoid specific alcohol types as well as they contain gluten in them. Cider, sherry, wine, spirits and port are free of gluten and are okay to sip on during your weekend getaway. On the contrary, beer, stouts and ales contain gluten and are not suitable for you. You might get your hands on gluten free beer but it is best to avoid it and stick to the options that you have.
5. Cook for Yourself:
Being on a gluten free diet might restrict you from eating out all the time, as you want options that are feasible for you. And they won’t be available at all restaurants. Therefore, it is great if you develop a habit of cooking for yourself. Meal prep can save you the hassle and additional time required during tough and hectic days. You can experiment and create new dishes for yourself, according to your taste.
6. Not all Sauces are Good for you:
This is very important to understand; all sauces are not good for you. A lot of them have ingredients that you need to avoid. Thus, if you are buying sauces from the store, read through the label carefully. And if you are preparing one on your own, make sure that you stay conscious about what to add and what to avoid.
7. Talk to your Doctor:
People with celiac disease must discuss their diet and condition with their doctor. It is best to have a detailed conversation with them about what to eat and what not to eat and how you can gain control over this issue.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Switching to a gluten free diet is not an easy task. It is challenging and many days, you will feel tired of it as well. However, it is very important to keep yourself motivated. Remember that it is healthy for you. Opt for different recipes and create meals that look appealing. There are incredibly tasty recipes out there for gluten free diets and you must indulge in cooking them for yourself to avoid getting bored of it too soon.