5 Tips for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
Dietary restrictions are part of many lifestyles today, and while some are avoiding certain things like gluten and lactose due to diseases and other conditions others avoid them as they feel they are for better life choices.
Having trouble reducing or cutting out gluten from your diet? Here are tips you can incorporate into your life for a gluten-free lifestyle.
Research On the Topic
In order to step into a gluten-free lifestyle, you need to do a lot of research so you can understand what foods you need to keep around and which ones you need to reduce. A gluten-free diet does not mean cutting out cakes and all baked goods in this essence. You can research alternatives, bakeries and shops now stock up on gluten-free foods. The research will help you understand and maintain this lifestyle.
Read The Labels
Branding can often attract you to buy something that you think tastes great but make sure you read the fine print in the labels. Some of the labels contain a warning if the product comes in touch with gluten in the production step. Reading labels will also allow you to tell what foods contain gluten, even when the ingredients are written in scientific names.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
As mentioned, it is pretty easy for food to get contaminated when handled in an environment that also has food with gluten. In your own home, if only a number of people are gluten-free, take steps to ensure that non-gluten food does not mix with foods with gluten. Have a section for gluten-free foods and have strict rules on food handling to avoid contamination.
Look For Alternatives
If you are used to burgers, cake, and pasta, changing course to a non-gluten lifestyle does not have to mean boring food. There are some great gluten-free grains like polenta and quinoa. Moreso, there are gluten-free alternatives to everything beyond pasta such as biscuits and granola bars for that much-needed energy refill. One of the great things about living gluten-free is that now some bakeries and shops solely stock up on non-gluten foods. And if you’re looking for a gift for someone who follows this lifestyle, establishments like Hickory Farms have wonderful gluten-free gift baskets you can get for yourself or your friends.
Join A Gluten-Free Community
There are people all over the world who are also taking the gluten-free journey. If you don’t know where to start, they can be a great help keeping you in the game and informing you on mistakes they made that you should avoid.
Don’t Force Your Family or Friends into It
People have this annoying habit where once they get into a fad, they want everyone to tag along with them. Don’t be this person. Give your family the liberty to choose not to be part of the process. Sure, they can help you keep it up by helping prepare meals and shopping right, but a gluten-free life is best if you are personally invested in it.
Choosing a gluten-free lifestyle is not only for people with celiac disease. You can take it on to help you reduce inflammation, indigestion, and other digestive issues that come with it. Shop on the right isles, use the best alternatives, and you are well on your way!