Simple Steps To Going Gluten-Free
Gluten is actually a pretty common intolerance nowadays, and going gluten-free is easier than ever before. If gluten is your only concern, there is a whole range of gluten-free products on the market all clearly labeled.
Literally, ANYTHING that is labeled ‘Gluten Free’ is safe for you, and the obvious of course is simply whole foods; fresh fruit, vegetables, and legumes.
If you want to convert to a HEALTHY gluten-free diet, it really is quite easy! It might feel a bit overwhelming to start, so just start with one thing at a time, and in no time, you’ll be eating healthy gluten-free meals.
GLUTEN-FREE MEAL IDEAS
Breakfast
BrookFarm Gluten Free ‘Porrij’ – this is the closest I have come to finding a traditional porridge. It’s full of delicious healthy goodness, and topped with some fruit and milk of choice makes for a fulfilling breakfast.
An omelet is another great option; eggs, milk of choice, and whatever else you would like to add-in. We love onion, fetta, spinach, and mushrooms, but you can add in any veggies that you like…the list is endless!
Lunch
For those on the run, look up your local health stores and cafes for pre-made GF salads and other healthy options. Sushi is another great choice, and Zambreros also offer a quick GF take-away.
For those with a little time on their hands or wanting to delve a bit deeper, I usually do a cook up once or twice a week of things like a gluten-free pumpkin or savory bread (great with avocado and feta or tzatziki), fried rice with veggies and tamari sauce, or rice paper rolls with your choice of filling.
Dinner
Any combination of meat, veggies, or salad is the obvious choice, along with dishes based on rice, rice noodles, or quinoa. Stir-fries are great too! And pulse pasta, made from beans, lentils and chickpeas is a great healthy substitute for regular pasta.
If you want to get a bit more creative, this is where I give my Thermomix a plug along with some awesome cookbooks from Quirky Cooking and Skinny Mixers; this combo of tools has really expended my cooking variety, and I now have a shelf full of flavors and spices to create an array of flavorsome curries, casseroles, and other dishes.
Snacks
Ideas include a handful of nuts and seeds, carrot and celery sticks with dips and cheese, and I love ‘Mary’s gone crackers’ seeded crackers from Coles, paired with a yummy GF dip or some feta.
Chia puddings are so easy to whip up, super delicious, and satisfy that afternoon sugar craving in a good way. Top with dairy or coconut yogurt. Yogurt on its own is a great snack – just be sure to check for sugars to make sure you’re getting the healthiest option!
CHECK THOSE PRE-MADE MEALS!
Whenever you are buying pre-made meals and even elements for your own home-made meals, make sure you check the ingredients. Gluten can be hidden in sauces, flavoring, and other unsuspecting places.
Some common ones to keep an eye on is that most soy sauce contains gluten and also some Tamari, so make sure you get the ‘gluten-free’ labeled items or check that the ingredients list does not contain gluten. Even yogurt can contain gluten and certain brands of soy milk!
For more info, recipes, or nutritional guidance for going gluten-free, come and see one of our Naturopaths or just pop in to see Vanessa for a casual chat. Call our clinic on 07 4946 7910 or book online today!