Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and a few other grains. I have been gluten free for 6 years now and although it hasn't always been easy, it has been very beneficial for me. Although I do not have Celiac's Disease, I suffer from a gluten intolerance. My stomach reacts negatively towards gluten in my diet. I do not choose to eat gluten free, I need to to avoid stomach aches and pain. The gluten free life isn't as fun as it is often portrayed and it is very difficult. Here are some things I have learned since becoming gluten free.
1. Many foods are naturally gluten free.
Chicken, beef, pork, fish, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are all gluten free in their natural form. I already ate most of these foods before I was gluten free, so this part was easy for me. Grilled chicken and vegetables are a go to meal for me. I also learned to like eggs when I got to college. Breakfast in my school's cafeteria consists of mostly bagels, waffles, pancakes, toast, cereals, and many other grains that I cannot eat. I learned quickly that If i wanted to get brunch with friends on the weekends, I would have to learn to like eggs. I found out that I love a fresh egg omelet loaded with veggies. Eggs have become apart of my diet because I am gluten free.
2. It is possible to go out to eat.
When I first became gluten free, eating out was hard. Now however, many restaurants offer gluten free options and have them labeled on their menus. I always ask my servers if the restaurant has a separate gluten free menu. Most restaurants are able to accommodate requests I have as well. Fast food places are also offering more gluten free options. Chipotle lists all the items they serve that are gluten free. Culver's also has a gluten free bun option. It has become so much easier over the years to find something to eat when I go out.
3. I am more conscious of what I eat.
When I became gluten free in 8th grade, I didn't really know or care what was in the foods I ate. Now, I look at the labels on everything I eat. I read the ingredients and like to know how much protein, carbs, fats, and sugars, as well as calories are in the foods I am eating. I like to eat things that do not have a lot of artificial ingredients in them as well. My diet is all around healthier because I became gluten free and I have more knowledge about what I put into my body.
4. Gluten Free Substitutes are available.
Although I do not eat many gluten free substitutes, I know that they are available at almost any grocery store I go to. Nowadays there is a gluten free option for almost any food in stores. Breads, pastas, cookies, pretzels, pizzas and much more. Udi's is the best GF brand I have tried I like to treat myself on a birthday or special occasion to an Udi's gluten free blueberry muffin. Their breads are also the closest to normal breads that I have tried.
5. My diet has more variety now.
I have ventured out and tried different foods since becoming gluten free. I probably never would have tried Quinoa, a gluten free reedlike grain that tastes kind of like rice. I eat many kinds of vegetables like asparagus, kale, brussels sprouts, and squash. One of my favorite things to eat is zucchini squash. I love zucchini when it is spiraled and sautéed. I eat it like pasta with marinara sauce. I eat so many foods that I may not have ever even tried had I not become gluten free.
Although I do not get to eat normal pizza, cookies, bread and other delicious gluten filled foods, I am perfectly content with what I eat. Yes, It isn't always easy to be gluten free, but I am doing just fine without it in my diet and have learned so much.
