Gluten-Free Diet – Is It for You?

Gluten is a protein component inherently contained in oats, barley, rye, and wheat. In baked products, it is responsible for providing elasticity and cohesiveness. In some people, their systems are sometimes not able to absorb gluten which can result in unhealthy weight loss, avoidable fatigue, intestinal distress, bone loss as well as anemia. This disease is no more uncommon and is known as Celiac disease.

For people having this ailment, it is but obvious that they would need to adhere to a gluten-free diet. Consuming foods that are free from gluten, often causes one to eat more unprocessed foods such as lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and legumes which of course is a healthy choice low in calories. Quite a few people choose to follow a gluten-free diet since it provides healthy eating and thus, a healthy lifestyle.

Few relevant things to keep in mind when following gluten-free diets are as under –

• It should be remembered that one cannot automatically assume that all gluten-free foods are nutritious. More often than not, such foods boast of high fat and sugar content thus making them calories rich.
• Gluten can be avoided as a matter of choice, but then it should be ensured that the diet should be well balanced to include an abundance of vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
• Having a gluten-free diet does not mean saying bye to grains. Hundred percent inclusion of whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, or buckwheat should be ensured in such diets.
• Because it is richly contained in wheat, gluten-free products are often made with potato or rice flour.
• Rice-based cereals as well as corn are healthy breakfast options but remember; some may also contain malt.
• The crunchy and mouth-watering coating on snacks whether nonvegetarian or vegetarians generally made from wheat flour. So checking up on the ingredients is a must to ensure that whatever we want to consumers gluten-free.
• It is pertinent to mention that this protein compound may also be contained in some non-food products like lipstick, postage stamps, and even some types of medication.
• Chocolates and candies which are usually gluten-free, are rich in sugar which should also be avoided since this only facilitates weight gain.
• Foods like such as poultry and milk products, fish, eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruits are good and healthy options when on a gluten-free diet

Diet and exercise both go side by side when embarking on a journey of weight loss and incorporating a healthy lifestyle. It is a myth that a diet free from gluten is a healthier option than a diet that contains gluten. On the contrary, both can be healthy if indulged in an appropriate manner. When cooking gluten-free foods and foods that contain gluten together, or when both these foods are served in the same utensils, the possibility of cross-contamination always exists.