Getting on to a gluten-free diet may seem pretty intimidating at first –after all, we live very much in a grain-based culture where crackers, breads, pastries and cakes are all around us and readily available. However, if you know what things that you need to avoid and then take some trouble to stock your pantry with wheat alternatives, following this kind of diet can be delicious and enjoyable as well as being healthy.
Whole Grains and Seeds
Just because you are wheat-free does not mean you have to give up on baked goods. There are plenty of alternatives out there to experiment with. Make sure your pantry is stocked with grains like millet, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, gluten-free oats and rice. There are plenty of sites on the Internet to teach you how to use these wonderful grains.
Cornmeal
When you are going gluten-free, corn can be your best friend, as it can take the place of wheat in some dishes and makes wonderful casseroles. Bob’s Red Mill is particularly good brand for getting gluten-free cornmeal and polenta.
Corn Tortillas
If you are craving wraps, then making them with gluten free corn tortillas is a great way to enjoy the foods you love without breaking your diet! Be sure to read the label carefully, though, as some of these tortillas will contain wheat gluten.
Gluten-Free Pasta
No, you don’t have to give up Italian Night! There are plenty of gluten-free pastas on the market that can be prepared just like regular pasta and enjoyed without the worry! Add your favorite sauce and serve with some fresh greens on the side for a gluten-free indulgence!
Flours
If you love to bake, you can still get into the kitchen and make the things you love – just use alternative flours like those based on millet, oats, rice or sorghum. It may take a while to get used to working with these flours, but again, the Internet is a wonderful resource for giving you pointers on this.
Breads
Yes, there are even a number of breads on the market today that you can enjoy when going gluten free. Udi’s is perhaps the best-known of these products, and carry whole-grain breads and ones based on chia and millet. They are great if you are in the mood for sandwiches.
Gluten-Free Beer
This one may sound a little hard to swallow – but the beer certainly isn’t! The number of gluten free beers on the market are growing in response to consumer demand, with St. Peter’s sorghum beer being particularly popular.
Good Olive Oil
Since many gluten free dieters opt to make a lot of their own foods, investing in a good olive oil for your pantry is a great way to make the foods you prepare even better. Lighter olive oils are great for a saute, while richer extra virgin olive oil make great salad dressings.
So remember: it’s not the end of the world if you are going gluten free. Once you learn your way around this new diet, you will find some wonderful foods out there that allow you to enjoy many of the foods – like pastas or breads – that you love, just without the worry of the gluten to spoil it!
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