When I first found out that I couldn’t eat any gluten I was in denial. I would still have the odd cookie or wheat product, thinking that I would be okay. Within 1 hour of eating it I knew it was a bad idea. I would still do it from time to time because I was too shy to say no or I was just lazy.
Finally, I decided to commit myself 100% and go gluten free, to my surprise it was not as hard as I thought it would be. I just had to find out what I COULD eat and go from there. In the past, I would deprive myself of bread which would lead me to sneak a cookie or something else with wheat in it. You have to find the alternative and eat that instead.
1. Toast, sandwiches and bread. I was never a big bread eater but I think it was because for a long time I knew how terrible it made me feel. Now I make my own bread in a bread maker every Sunday. I cut it in slices, individually wrap them and put it in the freezer for the week to come. I buy the bread mix from the Bulk Barn, add water and butter, hit start and walk away. How easy is that?
2. If I get invited to someone’s house for dinner, I let them know that I have a gluten allergy and offer to make a tasty dish or two for everyone to try. I have this one friend that makes amazing dips; if you like dips bring a box of your favorite rice crackers.
3. I also love cookies and granola bars; it takes me 10 minutes to make a big batch of tasty nut bars that are gluten free. I wrap them so I have them to grab and go.
4. There are a lot of really tasty gluten free cereals that you can get at almost any grocery stores, even many discount grocers.
5. I always make sure that I have a snack or two with me to stop the cravings. There are more and more stores around that sell gluten free products. I love the bulk barn, it has A LOT of great tasting gluten free products. Their pancakes are great. I make a large batch and freeze the rest that I do not eat at that sitting. I can toast them for a tasty lunch with fruit and brown sugar.
6. I love a good pasta dish in the winter time when it’s cold outside. I just switch to rice noodles or pad Thai, which are rice noodles. If you like chips, you can have corn chips. I even saw lentil chips at the bulk barn and they were good as well as high in fiber, low in calories and fat.
The key to Healthy Living gluten-free is really about changing your habits and switching one product for another. Bringing new tasty side dishes and rice crackers to my friend’s house, isn’t putting them out, I am introducing them to new foods. There are tons of gluten free recipes on the internet. Just switch them out for some of your regular recipes.
Here is your gluten-free shopping list and tips:
Gluten-Free Nut Bar Recipe:
Ingredients: