A gluten-free diet is about achieving good health first. Body symptoms of gluten intolerance can be severe and debilitating. However, ease of preparation is also important and helps one adhere to the diet. Ultimately, sticking to the wheat-free, gluten-free diet is the key to maintaining good health.
Choose Fruits, Vegetables and Protein as the Core of Your Daily Diet Plan
Consuming whole foods over processed is not only healthier, whole foods are relatively gluten-free, excepting rye, barley, wheat, kamut, and for some people, oats and spelt. Gluten is not hiding, waiting to attack your body in the majority of whole foods. A balanced, gluten-free meal would be a chicken breast, cauliflower, potato and salad. Be careful of added condiments, but once you have a basic knowledge of their ingredients, you are on your way to a simply-made, gluten-free meal.
Take Along Some Gluten-Free Favorites if Traveling
Frozen dinners packed in your cooler in the car could save the day when you reach your destination. Most hotels have an employee microwave they are happy to let you use if you ask. When you travel on a turnpike, the super plazas/rest stops usually have a dining area servicing 4 or 5 restaurants. No one notices if you are sitting there eating a tuna sandwich on your gluten-free bun while others have ordered from the chain restaurants, which rarely have anything gluten-free.
Scout Locations of Gluten-Free Restaurants Before Leaving Home
Don't be afraid to ask any questions you feel you need to at one of the gluten free restaurants, however. Although they've probably done their research, too, take care of yourself first, and always make sure you are comfortable with what you are eating.
Bring One of Your Gluten-Free Homemade Dishes if Invited to Buffet Dinners
If you make a filling entree, you won't have to guess on the gluten status of anything else, as you will be satisfied with your offering. One word of caution: make enough so by the time your dish gets to you, there is a good-sized portion left. Bring along a small plastic container of your favorite gluten-free salad dressing, too, and use it if a salad is served undressed.
Straying From the Gluten-Free Diet Just One Time Could Be Serious
Thinking this way, is it worth the time spent being ill just to eat what others are eating or something more convenient than preparing a gluten-free meal? On the other hand, before you are in a position where there is nothing else to eat, do some research into Enzymedica's Gluten Ease. Some people intolerant to gluten can consume a bit if they take Gluten Ease, but it is not a certainty. Research it, and discover what your feelings are about consuming gluten after taking Gluten Ease. It might be too risky for you.
Don't Feel You are the Odd Woman Out
You are doing the right thing for your body by eliminating gluten. Think of how much better you feel avoiding gluten, and all of a sudden, you might have a new perspective on your diet "limitations". Remember, others can eat all the gluten-free food they desire, while you can have almost no foods containing gluten. Flavorful, gluten-free items are available in virtually any restaurant; you just need to search them out. Ask a friend who does not need to avoid gluten to order from the gluten-free menu along with you. No more odd woman out.
