Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye which many people are choosing to cut out of their diets. Whether you're choosing to eat gluten-free as a lifestyle choice or because you have a gluten intolerance, adhering to this type of diet can be tricky – especially if you're new to the game. Just because you can't have gluten doesn't mean that you don't have a slew of other foods available to you. Here are a few tips to stick to your gluten-free diet while still enjoying a delicious array of foods:
Turn to other whole grains
While gluten is included in many pastas and breads, there are still ways to incorporate whole grains into your diet. Opt for brown rice, corn and quinoa that contain fiber to keep you full.
Check the labels before you buy
It may be easy to simply buy items labeled "gluten-free." However, many products that claim to be "gluten-free" can change ingredients without notice. Eating Well explained that prepared foods that often include gluten are bouillon cubes, broths, cold cuts, rice mixes, condiments and soy sauce. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to the details before just completely trusting the label of a product. Gluten-free products also often have more sugar and calories packed into them. When cutting out gluten, its safest to stick to non-processed foods like vegetables, fruits and naturally gluten-free whole grains.
Replace your meal with a tasty shake
Naturade Total Soy, a meal replacement powder, can serve in place of a meal and leaves you satisfied. These tasty shakes, available in both chocolate and vanilla, are high in protein and low in calories, sodium and carbohydrates – perfect for a gluten-free diet! This meal replacement may even help to lower cholesterol!
Fill up on the right foods
Any food in its natural form won't have any hidden ingredients. Therefore, fruits and vegetables should form the basis of your be incorporated into meals, along with meat and fish, dairy, lentils and nuts, rice, corn and wine.
Delicious meals for a gluten-free diet
Breakfast
Eggs are a great way to start your day and can fill you up the right way. Try them scrambled, poached, fried or in an omelet with plenty of fresh veggies. Pair your eggs with easy to make chicken-apple sausage, which contains onions, savory spices and ground chicken.
Lunch
There are plenty of options when it comes to eating lunch. Create some peanut butter and jelly roll-ups with gluten-free tortillas, quinoa pasta salad, fried rice or chili!
Dinner
For dinner, Real Simple suggested curried rice with shrimp, tuna with black pepper, artichokes and lemon, cumin chicken topped with black beans or steak with your favorite veggies for a delicious gluten-free meal.
