Approximately 3 million U.S. citizens suffer from celiac disease-- an
autoimmune illness in which a person's body responds to a particular
mixture of rye, barley, and wheat. Interestingly the absence of gluten
not only is key to the proper treatment of celiac patients, but it has
also been linked to weight loss and healthy living.
Elements
A
gluten-free diet is one completely absent of wheat, rye, and barley.
More specifically cakes, cookies, bread, pasta, pizza, and most cereals
are generally made with traditional wheat or white flour and are
completely off-limits. Aside from of the more common sources, this
substance has a way of finding itself in other commonly used products.
Soups, salad dressing, pre-made processed frozen meals, and some pasta
sauces are also food products that contain gluten and should be avoided.
Importance
The
interest in gluten-free product by far surpasses the 1% of Americans
diagnosed with celiac disease. At one point, such a diet meant having to
give up your favorite foods like beer, cookies, and pizza.
Interestingly enough between 2003 and 2008 the number of gluten-free
products jumped almost eight-fold. And if history is any indicator of
things to come, you can expect a continuous rise in the use of this
product.
Benefits
Although significant, inexplicable weight
loss is a common symptom of celiac disease. Most patients intolerant of
gluten tend to suffer from bloating, weight gain, and stomach
distension. Patients generally see a decrease in these types of symptoms
after switching over and end up losing massive amounts of weight. A
diet free of gluten is one free of refined simple sugars and flour and
one that serves to benefit you in a number of ways. Many people
experience weight loss and higher energy levels as a result of switching
to a gluten-free diet.
Myths
Some people who switch over to
a gluten-free diet seek out specially made crackers and baked goods to
replace the ones containing gluten. Although a solid choice in
moderation, these types of food generally contain lots of calories. As a
matter of fact, some gluten-free products contain more calories than
their counterparts because of the added sugars which act as a substitute
from flours and starches. Word to the wise, a label claiming to be
gluten-free doesn't necessarily mean that it is low in calories of even
healthy.
Meal Plans
Gluten-free meals can be incorporated in
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the most common breakfast options
include scrambled eggs or quinoa prepared like oatmeal with fresh
fruit, milk, and your favorite nuts. For lunch consider a green
salad, shrimp, chicken or beef, beans, and cut up eggs. To top off your
day, brown rice served with grilled fish and fresh vegetables is an
excellent option for dinner. To break the monotony and add some variety
to you daily diet, snacking on some low-fat cheese, gluten-free yogurt,
or fresh fruit will really satisfy your urge for something unique.
Plan
If
by doctor's order, you have been authorized to live a gluten-free
lifestyle it is important that you stick to it. For those following a
gluten-free diet for weight loss purposes you must still incorporate
sound nutritional practices into your diet. Substituting unhealthy
refined grains, sugary snacks, and fatty meats with gluten-free whole
grains like quinoa and brown rice, fresh produce, and lean meats will
surely help you to lose weight. Additionally, as with any diet, portion
sizes should still remain a focus of yours. Remember that many of
gluten-free products contain sugar substitutes for gluten and are quite
high in calories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6311810
Wheat
is not the same today. It has been agriculturally hybrid, not
genetically lab engineered over some decades to resist fungus, grow more
quickly, and be more pliable for industrial bread baking. As a
consequence, 50-60 years ago wheat containing only five percent gluten
has become 50 percent gluten today.
