Food: The Gluten Free Life

Not everyone is gluten free. Not everyone needs to be. For some it's a choice.  For others, it's a medical restriction that needs to be abided.  Wherever you fall, you're not alone.  I want to share a little story and some of my fave items here in case you're new to this life, what to understand it better, or feel like sharing your own story and favorites in the comments!

Just because you don't have Celiac's doesn't mean you don't have sensitivity or aversions.  And if you're not Celiac's, gluten isn't a horrible thing for you to have now and again.  It's just something you need to pay attention to and listen to your body when you have it so you understand.

For example:  There are some breads I can eat and have no issue initially, and others immediately give me stomach pains.  Is that an additive?  Is that yeast?  Is that a specific type of gluten product?  I don't know.  I haven't been able to compare ingredients in a way that helps me determine which instance will be fine and which won't.  I can tell you, though, that (and you already know I have so many other food sensitivities like black pepper, cinnamon, FODMAP foods, and the whole gamut of latex foods) my body lets me know when it's unhappy.  When I eat gluten, my lip splits.  Usually on the left side, but it's been more creative and split on the right lately.  No idea why.  But that's where it likes to mount its protest.  Some people have asked if I'm "okay" because I have a black or split lip, but I explain it's just an allergic reaction.  Oh well.

So, because I don't know what exactly causes what, yet, I try to stay clear of gluten most of the time.  I allow myself a pastry or pizza or roll when I'm out, but that's not a daily or regular occurrence.  So, at home, I stay gluten free.  Here are some of my faves if you are building this life for yourself as well.  I've also listed some recipes in my blog, and you'll note that when I list flour it is a 1-1 ratio from gluten to gluten free flour, so that makes it simple!

Flour:  Ok, I love Cup for Cup but I don't find it often. My preferred gluten free flour.  If you're celiac or just sensitive and working to stay away from gluten, this is my go-to.  I found this initially at Williams and Sonoma and thought it was wonderful.  I will admit it is and can be hard to find at stores, but if you find it...yum.  It seems the most balanced and neutral flavored.

Ok, if I can't find cup for cup (and I usually can't) then King Arthur's Measure for Measure is my next pick.  It's also fairly neutral tasting and is usually 1-1 with most recipes.  Every now and again I find I have to add just a tablespoon or two more for the same density and bounce, but it's reliable in it's use and fairly reliable in its ability to be found on shelves.  It is a popular one, so it can go quickly.

Mac & Cheese:  There will never be a day when I don't love or want Mac & Cheese.  And finding a good gluten free one is a challenge.  Either the noodles are wrong or they messed the sauce up somehow.  Then...enter Goodles.  I don't know what they did, but Goodles figured it out.  THANK YOU!  It's a pasta with a good mouthfeel and chew and a cheesiness that doesn't make you miss the versions you shouldn't be eating.  As a perk it has fiber and protein (win!) but that's just a bonus, because it's fabulous on its own.

The cracker:  I'll admit, this is a hard one.  Really hard.  For me, with all my sensitivities, I can't do the cassava flour or almond flour ones.  I have favorites of those that I'll list here because they really are wonderful, but I'm really fairly relegated to one.  It's a good one.  I'm happy with it.  But I personally have limited options because of all my other sensitivities.  If you don't have those same obstacles, then I recommend all of the below.

The Oreo:  And lastly, don't forget you can still have OREOS!!!  They have a gluten free Oreo now, and somehow it seems to have cleaner ingredients than the original (which, take with a grain of salt, but it's still nice).  I even argue it tastes better.  Never forget your Oreo.

There are loads of other things to recommend, but I have found these are the staples.  I still don't have a good gluten free bread I love.  There are okay ones out there, and I'll eat them, but I'm not pining for them on a regular basis.  If you've found one, leave it in the comments!  Same with other items you've come to love!