A tasty gluten free diet
Adopting a gluten free diet to treat celiac disease may mean to some people accepting sheer eating boredom. Nothing could be less accurate.
A gluten free diet that tastes great
It's true the variety of foods become more limited on a gluten-free diet. But there are still plenty left that are both perfectly safe and delicious. If that sounds like a commercial, read on and judge for yourself...
All manner of fresh foods are allowed on a gluten-free diet. Among them are most meats – beef, chicken, pork, and others. The only thing to keep an eye out for are any wheat-based additives, common in packaged lunch meats, or 'cross contamination' used in preparation.
Similarly, fresh fruit of all varieties are perfectly safe for celiac sufferers. That encompasses not only the ordinary ones – apples, bananas, oranges, peaches, etc. – but also ones rich in phytonutrients. That includes blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and many more.
Nearly every vegetable, too, is ok on a diet that has to restrict gluten intake. Whether you like the traditional sort – peas, carrots, corn, tomatoes, and the like – or prefer more exotic types (okra, amaranth, jicama, and others), you can find something you'll enjoy.
"Ah," you say, "but those are just the blah categories. How about some of that yummy junk food or restaurant delights I used to enjoy?" No problem. Plenty of non-gluten alternatives there, too.
Ever since you were diagnosed with celiac breakfast probably became restricted to fresh fruit and maybe oats or rice. Blah is right. Those aren't bad but we long for variety. So, how about some gluten-free pancakes to liven things up?
Oh, how you used to enjoy those Chicken McNuggets for lunch. Hey, these are not to everybody's taste, but to each his own. Fear not. You can get some tasty chicken nuggets from gluten free food suppliers to satisfy your cravings. Fry or bake, as you prefer, and pig out.
If pizza is your thing you can find several gluten-free doughs that will do the trick. There are commercial vendors that will sell you anything from the dough to cook at home to fully prepared frozen pizza. Restaurants are beginning to get into the act, too; it is worth asking. For some, yours truly included, the slightly different taste of flaxseed flour is actually an advantage. Just exercise a little caution with the cheese or any other ingredient that might have been exposed to gluten.
Dessert. How you miss dessert, right? Ok, it's time to put in a word for a sugary snack once in a while. Sugar is the body's prime energy source and carbohydrates, in moderation, are essential. How lucky we are, then, that marshmallows, chocolate, and even ice cream can be back on the dessert menu! Reincarnated as gluten free versions, of course.
No diet is complete without some beverage selections. So, be happy that coffee and tea are still options - Just be careful about any of those flavor additives from your local brew hut. Fresh milk and fresh fruit juices are okay, too. Then again, if you're the sort to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, the choices are practically unlimited. And, for after dinner, there's nothing wrong with a little cognac.
So, no matter your reasons for going gluten free, whether you consider generic categories or specific foods and drinks, there are plenty of options for a tasty gluten free diet.
Bon appetit!