Going gluten-free seems to be all the rage now, that many people are taking the plunge and eliminating it from their diet. Gluten is the elastic protein in wheat, rye, and barley. It gives breads and other carbs their chewy texture and is the glue that keeps them together. The problem is that there are certain people who are have food sensitivity to it or have celiac's disease and are allergic.
This doesn't mean it's the end of the world and that you can't ever have bread and pasta. Instead, if you plan on going gluten-free, there are a few things you should know before doing so.
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I've been experimenting with a nearly gluten-free diet lately for health reasons and it can be hard. For someone who loves carbs this could feel like a death sentence, but instead I've discovered new ways to prepare meals that don't make me miss the starchy stuff.
If you are looking to go gluten-free successfully, make sure you consult with your doctor first. Most people are not allergic to gluten, but some choose to go without it despite that fact.
Below are some things you should consider before eliminating gluten from your life.
There are gluten-free grains: Surprise! You won't have to miss out on your favorite pasta dish when going gluten-free. There are other grains such as buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, teff and millet that are gluten-free on their own.
It won't necessarily make you skinny: Most people think eliminating carbs is a recipe for weight loss, but if you do it wrong, eliminating these substances can make you gain weight! With all the different gluten-free options out there some people consume too much of it and as a result gain weight. This is because most of them are packed with extra fat and sugar in place of the gluten.
Gluten can be found in unexpected places: Did you know your salad dressing, soy sauce, and soups could have gluten? Make sure to read labels before buying food at the supermarket.
You can eat rice: Latinos rejoice! You can have brown or white rice while gluten-free. Unlike breads, rice does not have the gluten component that can cause allergies in some people.
It's expensive: Say good-bye to cheap prices for your new lifestyle. Gluten-free products tend to be pricier than their counterparts which means you will have to make sure you budget.
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