Making the Change

The first thing you need to do when going gluten-free is to get educated.

Next, clean out the pantry. You don’t want any temptations. There is no point in just “cutting down” on gluten – it’s an all or nothing proposition. Just go for it!

Don’t make the mistake of buying a bunch of gluten-free junk foods. It’s fine to have a treat now and again, but just because something is labeled gluten-free doesn’t make it good for you.

Focus instead on an abundance of fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, coconut and olive oil, fresh nuts and seeds, organic eggs, and a small amount of animal protein. Drink eight glasses of water daily and exercise three hours weekly.

Rice is a safe grain for most, but watch out for oats. About 15% of those sensitive to gluten also react to oats.

Finally, don’t be hard on yourself. If you are eating a salad and accidentally bite into a crouton, don’t eat the rest of the salad. Realize your mistake and if you’re at a restaurant, return it and ask them to remake it. One little mistake does not condone a full “off the wagon” experience. Just get right back onto zero gluten and carry on.

As always, consult a health professional before beginning any new protocol.

Written by Vikki Petersen.