Some people may cut out various foods from their diet for different reasons — like dairy because it upsets their stomach or gives them acne, or meat just because they wish to do so. Others have to give up certain foods for medical reasons, like myself. Unfortunately, at 14 years old I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Celiacs Disease. Celiacs disease is when one’s body can not process wheat, barley, or rye. It affects many people differently, but for me, I sadly cannot tolerate consuming any gluten.
On a very strict gluten-free diet, I thought I would be missing out on all of the good stuff that college kids like to eat such as late-night pizza, chicken nuggets, and pasta. That’s why I have created my own delicious recipes and found easy snacks for eating on a restricting diet on a college budget. These are so tasty that your friends might not even believe they are gluten-free!
- Guilt-Free Margherita Pizza
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What you will need:
-Frozen cauliflower crust from the store, my personal favorite is the Caulipower pizza crust (it resembles thin crust style pizza)
-Marinara sauce — Rao’s Homemade is my go-to, but any marinara of choice will do.
-Fresh mozzarella
-Pesto; I typically go with Classico
-Fresh tomatoes of any choice
Instructions
1. Assemble the toppings on the frozen crust and put in the oven at 425℉.
2. Bake for 11-13 minutes.
3. Enjoy!
- Apple Crisp Oatmeal
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What you will need:
-Gluten-free oats, Quakers Oats Gluten-Free Quick 1 Minute Oats
-A fuji apple
-Cinnamon
-Brown sugar
-Milk of choice
Instructions:
1. Make the oats on the stove as the package says.
2. Dice up half an apple & place in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the apples and mix.
4. Put apples in the microwave for 2 minutes or until desired softness.
5. Add a tablespoon of milk to your oats.
6. Then add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to oats or however much your sweet tooth desires.
7. Place all into a bowl & enjoy a fiber-packed breakfast!
- Baja Shrimp Tacos & Cabbage Slaw
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What you will need:
-½ lb fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed); I buy mine fresh from Harris Teeter if they have locally caught.
-1 tbsp olive oil
-½ tsp garlic powder
-½ tsp onion powder
-½ tsp pepper
-½ tsp cumin
-½ tsp paprika
-Corn tortillas
-Pre shredded cabbage or a head of cabbage
-Plain greek yogurt
-Hot sauce of choice; I prefer Cholula Original
-Fresh lime
-Fresh cilantro
-Any other toppings of choice (cheese, avocado, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Peel, rinse, & pat dry shrimp.
2. Season with all the good spices listed above.
3. Heat a pan on medium heat with the olive oil.
4. Once hot, put your shrimp in the pan and cook thoroughly until all pink. This usually takes about 6 minutes depending on the size.
5. Prepare your slaw by adding one serving of Greek yogurt, half a squeezed lime, and as much hot sauce as desired spice.
6. Put slaw in the fridge until ready to eat.
7. Heat corn tortillas in the microwave by putting a damp paper towel between each tortilla for about 10 seconds.
8. Assemble the tacos by putting slaw first and top with shrimp & chopped cilantro.
9. Enjoy a healthy taco night at home!