Are you gluten intolerant or trying to manage a gluten allergy?
If this is the case, you’ll need to start a gluten-free diet. There are plenty of ways to get gluten out of your diet with minimal fuss and maximum benefit.
How do you go about doing this? It’s easy to get lost and dazed when you’re trying out a new diet. Below, we give you a brief guide to help you get started.
Educate Yourself
It is important to learn from reliable sources about the extent of gluten-free living, what foods and labels to look for, and potential reactions to gluten. Do your own research, speak to a doctor or dietitian, and make an appointment with a nutritionist if needed. Start by learning the basics about gluten-free meals and understanding which food items contain gluten or may be cross-contaminated.
Get to know the foods you can and can’t have and read food labels carefully. Lastly, read cookbooks, recreate your favorite recipes, and explore different types of gluten-free food to find what works for you.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Your doctor or dietician can provide personalized and specific advice regarding your dietary needs and nutritional goals. They will likely ask detailed questions and take a thorough health history to determine if this lifestyle change is safe and beneficial for your individual health needs.
They may also recommend specific testing or types of diet adjustments to ensure you are receiving adequate nutrition, taking into account your age, activity level, and medical history. They may even refer you to a dietician for more in-depth nutritional counseling.
Clean Out Your Pantry
The first thing to do is clean out your pantry. The best way to do this is to take everything out of the cupboards, drawers, and any other storage containers and create a designated gluten-free space. Then look at each food item and read the labels, as some foods may contain “hidden gluten.”
Dispose of any products that contain gluten, or donate them to a charity. Next, purchase some gluten-free staple items such as bread, flour, pasta, cereals, and snacks. Finally, look into gluten-free recipes and meal plans to find new and interesting dishes to tempt your taste buds and make you feel comfortable with your new diet.
Familiarize Yourself with Safe Foods
To make sure you are getting off on the right foot, first, familiarize yourself with safe foods that are naturally gluten-free. When grocery shopping, look for naturally gluten-free foods such as:
- Certain whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meats
- Dairy
- Fish
- Nuts
- Beans
- Noodles
Many products you wouldn’t expect to be gluten-free, like some soy sauces and oat-based products, are surprisingly safe. Be sure to observe cross-contamination warnings and to check with manufacturers if you are uncertain of a product’s ingredients. Try now and experience the life-changing health benefits of gluten free noodles.
Start A Gluten-Free Diet The Right Way
To start a gluten-free diet, educate yourself on relevant health information and current guidelines. Eliminate foods that contain wheat, rye, and barley. Embrace a variety of gluten-free foods such as vegetables, fruits, dairy, beans, and gluten-free grains.
Finally, consult a healthcare professional if necessary. Start by getting educated on what you can and can’t eat, stock your pantry and freezer with gluten-free options and create a meal plan.
Did you find this article helpful for starting a gluten-free diet? If so, check out more great content on our blog now.