Learning to Be Gluten Free

That's right.  As of late, it was decided I should try being Gluten Free for at least 90 days.  This is not a "Fad" following, nor an "Attempt to jump on the latest bandwagon diet", but an attempt to become healthier and fix some dietary issues with my body.  


Like those who turn lactose-free because of an allergy to lactose, soy free due to an allergy to (obvi) soy, most people who follow a gluten free diet have Celiac Disease and are allergic to gluten.  It has not been determined that I am or am not allergic to gluten per se, but the decision was made to start living gluten-free to see if it helped fix some other issues.  The verdict so far?  Not bad actually.  I don't mind being gluten-free.  It's important to stay away from wheat, rye, and barley (also oats because most oats are produced in factories that process wheat, rye, and barley as well), which pretty much means no bread products or processed foods.  Luckily, I'm already a crazy health nut, so that wasn't too hard.  There are some really great alternatives too, which has made it easier.  I shop at Whole Foods, and they do a really great job now of labeling a number of their gluten-free foods.  Here are some new favorite snack foods I'm discovering:

Almond Nut thins.  They are a lot like Wheat Thins in that a serving size encompasses a lot of actual crackers.  This type, the cheddar cheese, is addicting!  Love it!!!  It's like the gluten-free girl's Cheez-it!

Peanut Butter and Company's Peanut Butter!!!  Just in case I haven't praised this company enough, I'll repeat:  LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVE this peanut butter!!!  Recently, I introduced my boyfriend to this specific one . . . pretty sure he finished off the tub in a day.  Yeah, it's that good.  And some of them are even vegan, too!


Of course, there are always the staples:  Fruits and Veggies.  Love them!  If you don't already love them, learn to.  Live by them.  They can change your body and the way you feel and live dramatically.  Oh, and water, tea, and coffee.  There are corn based tortilla chips and gluten-free pretzels now.  That helps.  I used to think that if you were allergic to gluten then you shouldn't be eating cereal and such in the first place, so why make a "gluten-free" kind.  Now I just realize it's about how those foods are made, and rice flour is under debate for being just as healthy, if not more healthy, than the other food industry staples.  


Also, here is a gluten free Blog I found, based off a woman and her chef husband as well as a gluten free travel blog, which I found fun.  So, happy reading, and let's get eating!