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I am repeatedly asked how to start a gluten-free diet and with the recent buzz surrounding hidden sources of gluten, I thought it might be a good time to write another blog post on outlining how to get started and things to keep in mind when moving over to a gluten-free lifestyle (It really is a lifestyle and not a diet).
Here are the basics:
- Get back to basics by eating healthy whole foods that are nutrient rich. You hear nutritionists talk about shopping the perimeter of the grocery store as that’s where all of the fresh foods are – They’re correct! One thing that I was not aware of when starting my gluten-free journey is that there are gluten-free products that contain a lot of sugar and carbohydrates. I know for me I gained weight after going gluten-free and was recently diagnosed with Diabetes. Two amazing trusted resources I’ve found in the gluten-free community to help guide me in this area are Carolyn from All Day I Dream About Food and Amy Green of Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free. There are healthy alternatives to sugars that are plant-based, as well as a way to keep your carb load down eating gluten-free. These two ladies will show you how so make sure to check out their blogs!
- Be your own advocate & food researcher: You are responsible for the food you put in your body and in doing so it’s in your best interest to know exactly what your consuming. You have to research ingredients and that means moving beyond just reading the nutritional labels. Pick up the phone or send an email if there is a questionable ingredient you’re not sure about. Most food manufactures are very helpful and willing to educate consumers.
- If you’re not sure and/or are unable to substantiate if a product contains gluten just don’t eat it. It takes 3-6 months to recover from a gluten exposure. Regardless of the amount of gluten you ingest, if you have celiac disease, your small intestines are damaged every time your exposed to gluten, causing further atrophy/damage to the villi – See diagram from the Mayo Clinic
Just because something states it wheat-free does not mean it’s gluten-free. Here again you have to read the labels. Many foods contain gluten, as well as hidden sources of gluten.
Here is a list of foods that contain and/or may contain gluten:
- Wheat, Rye, Barley (malt, malt flavoring and malt vinegar are usually made from barley), Semolina, Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye) and Farro. Other flours to avoid include:
- Bulgur
- Durum flour
- Farina
- Graham flour
- Kamut
- Spelt
- Oats – Certain grains, such as oats, can be contaminated with wheat during growing and processing stages of production. For this reason, doctors and dietitians generally recommend avoiding oats unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free (Mayo Clinic).
- Beer (unless labeled gluten-free. There are new gluten-free beer entering the market every month). Check with your local grocer to see what they carry
- Dressings (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch)
- Gravy’s & Sauces (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch and/or use of flour as a thickening agent – Many sauces are started traditionally with a Roux which is a mixture of flour and butter). This includes Soy Sauce which is 50% soy and 50% wheat. A tasty gluten-free alternative is San-J’s Tamari, as well as they have several other gluten-free sauces and dressings to choose from.
- Candies (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch and/or cross contamination)
- Cereals – There are some great gluten-free cereals out there. Nature’s Path is one of my favorites
- Cookies and crackers
- Croutons
- French fries (cross contamination usually fried in same oil as products containing gluten)
- Imitation meat or seafood (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch)
- Pasta (there are so many delicious and nutrient rich pastas that are gluten-free on the market – Check Whole Foods as they carry several brands.
- Rice Mixes (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch)
- Soup (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch and/or flour as a thickening agent)
- Chips (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch for use in seasonings)
- Energy Bars (hidden gluten in the form of modified food starch and wheat germ as an ingredient)
- Breading Mixes
- Sour Cream – Light & Full Fat version contain gluten so be sure to check the label
- Cosmetics, Shampoo & Conditioner (hidden gluten in the form of wheat germ and/or oats that have been subjected to wheat during processing)
- Medication & Nutritional Supplements (Prescription & Over-the-counter)
- Syrups
- Alcohol – All distilled alcoholic beverages are gluten-free, as well as wine and other hard liquor (Thanks to Cocktail Wizard Bill Norris for this education)
It’s always important to read the nutritional labels and again if you’re not certain it’s gluten-free, don’t eat it. When eating out, same rules apply. Look for foods that are naturally gluten-free first. Politely check with your waiter and/or Chef and ask about cross contamination (e.g. do they use the same cutting surface, utensils and cooking tools as they do with food that contains gluten?). It makes a difference, even if you have a gluten-intolerance. Many restaurants have gluten-free menus and are taking steps to ensure they don’t cross contaminate in the preparation of your meal. Ultimately it’s your responsibility as a consumer and someone with a food allergy to ask the necessary questions.
I recently had a conversation with a local restaurant owner here in Austin who’s making end roads to providing allergen-free options (soy, gluten, nuts, dairy) to their customers. “We are excited and want to provide allergen-free options to our diners, as it’s important to us as a company to be able to meet the dietary needs of those with food allergies. However, we have individuals that come in who will order a gluten-free option for example and then order a shake that contains cookies – Do they really have Celiac Disease or are they just not educated as to what contains gluten? We can tell by the questions our customers ask who’s just eating gluten-free due to it being seen as the latest diet trend.” This is a perfect example of where the gluten-free community gets a bad wrap! It’s not a diet people, it’s a lifestyle. Again, remember be courteous when asking about ingredients and food preparation. It’s about being genuine and usually it will result in a pleasant dining experience.
Remember to talk to your doctor before starting a gluten-free diet, as it’s not for everyone. Use the checklist from the National Foundation of Celiac Awareness and take into your doctor if you or someone in your family is experiencing any of the symptoms.
Gluten-Intolerance and/or Celiac Disease is not a death sentence (as we all think it is when first diagnosed). It’s a lifestyle change, but one that will be for the better. Sure you’ll still crave the things you used to eat, but as my friend and cookbook author Karen Morgan says “it’s about making gluten-free better than what came before.” It’s so true, with so many great options out there you can eat luscious meals that are 100% gluten-free and not feel as though your missing out!
Want to read more from Blinded by the Bite! make sure to subscribe. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest & Google+
Related articles
- 5 Sources of Hidden Gluten in Your Diet (health.usnews.com)
- Does It Really Matter if Your Makeup Is Gluten-Free? (bellasugar.com)
- National Celiac Disease Awareness Day 2012 (blindedbythebite.wordpress.com)
- The Difference Between Gluten-Free and Low-Carb (healthyfoodnaturally.com)
Post Credits:
© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. “Mayo,” “Mayo Clinic,” “MayoClinic.com,” “EmbodyHealth,” “Enhance your life,” and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
Salts Kitchen said:
This is so great. It’s already been over 3 years for me and I still keep finding out interesting tidbits about gluten free life. And it’s so true: I tell people over and over, it’s a lifestyle not a “diet” or a “fad”.
What is in syrup that puts it on the “don’t” list? Thanks for sharing this!
Rebecca
Blinded By The Bite! said:
Thanks Salt’s Kitchen! It is quite interesting where you can find hidden sources of gluten! One I forgot to add to the list is sour cream (modified food starch is added to light/full fat versions). Syrups – Brown Rice Syrup has gluten, as well as some Maple Syrups that aren’t 100% Maple Syrup.
Ruth Charnow said:
Great article! I am 3+ yrs in and the only way I find to help myself and stay on track is helping others. I am doing alot on the side…volunteering, working in the food field and getting involved with hosting events for celiacs. It has always been a love of mine (food) now with a new twist. Find a niche and put a positive spin on it to make it work.
I feel great most of the time now as long as i stick with healthy lifestyle. Good luck all!
Blinded By The Bite! said:
That is so incredible Ruth! I agree helping others is such a great way of learning and staying on track! One of the things I love most is working with individuals on a one-on-one basis doing grocery store/farmer’s market tours, showing them what they can have that is gluten-free and items to watch out for! Good luck to you and thanks for reading my blog!!
Pingback: Lifestyle changes | glutenfreecity.com
Blinded By The Bite! said:
Thanks for sharing my blog post!
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Blinded By The Bite! said:
Thanks Debbie for linking to my post! Love spring rolls so will have to try the recipe you posted…Thanks again.
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Brittanie Duncan said:
This is a really informative article. I love that you refer to a gluten free diet as a lifestyle instead of a diet. It really is a permanent change. I also think that you started with the right approach by sticking to nutrient-rich, whole foods. That is what was so appealing to me when I started my paleo lifestyle. It is so simple when you break it down — nutrient-rich, real food that looks like food found in nature. Thanks for this! I’m sharing!
Blinded By The Bite! said:
Brittanie:
Thank you . . . It’s so importance to get the message out it’s not a diet it truly is a lifestyle and takes considerable change at first when moving over to a gluten-free lifestyle.
Miachel said:
What an informative article!
Thanks for sharing. I’m originally from Austin – curious to know which restaurant it is! 🙂
Blinded By The Bite! said:
I’m so glad you found it so informative Miachel! It’s a new restaurant here in town.